Australia’s newest National Rugby League franchise, the Perth Bears, has continued its aggressive roster build ahead of its debut season, locking in experienced English international forward Morgan Smithies on a three-year contract that includes an option to extend for two additional seasons. The 25-year-old becomes the fourth English player to sign with the expansion club, as the franchise continues its self-described “Blitz of Britain” recruiting strategy that has already brought fellow internationals Harry Newman, James McDonnell and Mikolaj Oledzki into the inaugural squad.
Smithies brings nearly a decade of top-flight rugby experience to Western Australia, having spent five seasons competing in the UK’s Super League before making the move to the NRL’s Canberra Raiders in 2022. Over the past three seasons with the Raiders, he has cemented himself as a reliable rotational contributor to the club’s forward pack, amassing almost 200 first-grade appearances across both competitions by the age of 25. He is set to join the Bears at the conclusion of the 2025 NRL season.
Speaking after the signing was confirmed, Smithies said the chance to become a foundational member of a new NRL franchise was an opportunity he could not turn down. “The opportunity to make history and be a part of the Perth Bears was too good to refuse,” the forward said. “It will be great to reconnect with a few of the lads from back home in Perth. Mal and his staff have assembled a very strong roster and it’s an honour to be a part of it. This is a new chapter for my family as well. We are committed to the Perth Bears and it’s an exciting opportunity to build our life in Western Australia.”
Bears head coach Mal Meninga, one of the most respected figures in Australian rugby league, expressed enthusiasm about adding Smithies to the club’s long-term plans, highlighting his proven track record and team-first mindset. “Morgan is a fantastic person who has succeeded at just about every level of the game,” Meninga said. “He’s only 25 years old and has played nearly 200 games across Super League and the NRL. He brings big-game experience, a fantastic work ethic and, most important of all, is a selfless teammate. I’m delighted Morgan and his family believe in what we are creating in Perth and I have no doubt he will be a big part of this club for many years to come.”
The signing comes just one day ahead of a major scheduled announcement from the franchise, which is set to unveil its inaugural home jersey on Friday. The reveal will take place ahead of an NRL match at Perth’s major stadium this weekend, when the Melbourne Storm face off against the Manly Sea Eagles.