The Perth Bears are set to ramp up their recruitment and pathways plans ahead of the 2027 NRL season after making two key appointments.
On Wednesday, the Bears announced current Brisbane recruiter Dane Campbell as their new recruitment boss and experienced Ian Millward as elite pathways manager.
Perth Bears’ inaugural coach Mal Meninga.Credit: Stefan Gosatti
While the Bears can’t speak to currently contracted players until November 1, the appointment of former Newcastle halfback Campbell gives them scope to plan their hit list in conjunction with head coach Mal Meninga.
Cameron Munster, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui are three big names expected to be in their sights.
Campbell, currently recruitment and pathways manager at the Broncos, has held similar roles at Melbourne Storm and North Queensland.
He has also been heavily invested in international footy, with roles in nations as far-flung and diverse as Jamaica and Vanuatu.
If there is a talented athlete or footy player out there who has slipped through the cracks, Campbell will find them.
“Perth is a great sporting city and I truly believe that we can build a team from the ground up that the community will be proud to call their own,” he said.
“Mal (Meninga) has a proven track record of being able to unite high-performing teams and set great culture and values, which I am confident he will be able to instil in the Bears.”
