The Perth Bears expansion franchise has made another significant acquisition by securing four-time premiership winner Scott Sorensen from the Penrith Panthers, leveraging the forward’s personal connections to Western Australia to bolster their inaugural squad for the 2027 NRL season.
The 32-year-old New Zealand international, who claimed four consecutive championships during his five-year tenure with Penrith, cited family ties as the decisive factor in his move. ‘My wife is from Perth, so I know there is already a lot of excitement about the Bears coming into competition from people in Western Australia,’ Sorensen stated upon confirming his two-year contract.
Sorensen becomes the latest high-profile signing for the emerging franchise, joining former Panthers teammate Liam Henry in the forward pack. The Bears have strategically targeted players from successful systems, having previously secured Melbourne Storm duo Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart, alongside Bulldogs finals participants Josh Curran and Toby Sexton.
Bears head coach Mal Meninga praised the acquisition, emphasizing Sorensen’s leadership qualities: ‘Scott is a natural leader who had great success at club and international level. He has great skill with the ball and really sets the tone with his defence. Above all, Scott is a selfless person who other players want to play with.’
David Sharpe, Bears General Manager of Football, highlighted the strategic importance of recruiting players with local connections to build community engagement: ‘Scott has been on our radar for a long time. He has a connection with Western Australia and is obviously a fantastic player who possesses the leadership qualities and ambition we look for when recruiting to our squad.’
Sorensen expressed enthusiasm about helping establish the new club’s foundation: ‘It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to be part of the team and help set the standards and build the culture of the club from day one.’ The versatile forward will complete the current season with Penrith before relocating with his family to Western Australia ahead of the Bears’ competition debut.