Sharks captain Cameron McInnes has reportedly been offered a two-year deal to join the Perth Bears.
The former Blues forward is off contract at the end of the year and is currently assessing his options in the NRL and English Super League, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
It’s said Cronulla wants to retain the 32-year-old but he will have plenty of offers to pick from as he looks to life after football soon.
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The Bears are among the suitors and are hoping he will be part of their inaugural roster for their debut season next year.
The report states the Perth team has tabelled a two-year deal to McInnes. Cronulla teammate Siosifa Talakai has already signed with the Bears, and Perth hopes McInnes joins him as the franchise’s first two signings with State of Origin experience.
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It’s understood McInnes would be viewed as a potential captain of the team, considering his standing in the NRL.
Cameron McInnes. Getty
He is one of many Sharks off contract at the end of the 2026, with the likes of Will Kennedy, Toby Rudolf, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Jesse Ramien, Sam Stonestreet and Sione Katoa all free agents from the end of the year.
McInnes made a successful return in round eight this year from an ACL injury he suffered against the Cowboys in round 24 last season.
It’s understood Souths halfback Jamie Humphreys and Bulldogs winger Jonathan Sua are also in negotiations with Perth officials.
But if the Bears can land McInnes, it would arguably be their biggest-name recruit.
McInnes has made 228 NRL appearances since his debut for the Rabbitohs in 2014. He played State of Origin in 2024.
Current Bears signings: Siosifa Talakai, Toby Sexton, Tyran Wishart, Nick Meaney, Apa Twidle, Harry Newman, Sean Russell, Luke Laulilii, Liam Henry, Mikolaj Oledzki, Scott Sorensen, Josh Curran, Emarly Bitungane, Luke Smith, James McDonnell, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, Chris Vea’ila and Kit Laulilii.