Jack Cole Signs 3-Year Deal With Perth Bears From 2027

The Perth Bears have signed Penrith Panthers halfback Jack Cole on a three-year contract beginning in 2027, marking another significant recruitment win for coach Mal Meninga’s expansion franchise. Cole, 23, has played 18 games for Penrith as an understudy to Nathan Cleary and will now compete for a starting halves position at Perth, where he will challenge Toby Sexton and Tyran Wishart. The signing continues the Bears’ raid on the competition, following recent acquisitions of premiership-winning forwards and other key players.

Cole joins growing Bears roster from Penrith

Cole made his NRL debut with Penrith in 2022 after progressing through the Panthers academy at age 15. He was part of the club’s premiership squads in 2022 and 2024 and led the NSW Cup and State Championship titles in his debut year. His opportunities at Penrith have been limited behind Cleary, the club’s captain and one of the game’s elite playmakers.

Cole possesses a strong kicking game, excellent organisational skills, and solid defence. Meninga hailed the halfback as an important piece of Perth’s maiden roster. “His skillset compliments our roster, and I look forward to welcoming him over to Western Australia,” the Bears coach said.

Perth’s aggressive recruitment strategy pays off

The Bears have now signed multiple Penrith premiership players for 2027, including forwards Scott Sorensen and Liam Henry, plus Mavrik Geyer from the 2024 premiership squad. The club has also recruited Ben Gardiner, Penrith’s former assistant coach, who will take over from Meninga as head coach in 2029. Recent signings include Broncos grand final winners Gehamat Shibasaki and Tyson Smoothy, strengthening Perth’s foundation ahead of their debut season.

Cole’s opportunity to establish himself as a starter

At Perth, Cole will battle with Toby Sexton and Tyran Wishart for a starting halves role, offering him a clear pathway to regular NRL football. “I’m stoked to sign with Perth and be a part of their historic inaugural squad,” Cole said. “I believe this club can help me continue to develop as a player and I’m excited about the opportunity to move to Perth and get out amongst the community.” The move represents a significant career opportunity for the young playmaker to prove himself at NRL level without competing for minutes against an established star.

Final Thoughts

Cole’s signing underscores Perth’s strategy to build a competitive inaugural squad by recruiting young talent stuck behind established stars at other clubs. The Bears now have a solid foundation of premiership experience and emerging players for their 2027 entry into the NRL.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.