Bears win another battle of Britain to land Raider

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 7, 2026

The Perth Bears have signed English forward Morgan Smithies to a three-year deal, making him a key part of the club’s inaugural squad alongside other British internationals. Smithies’ extensive Super League and NRL experience strengthens the Bears’ roster as they prepare for their debut season, highlighting the team’s strategy to combine seasoned talent with international players.

The Perth Bears have secured the signing of English forward Morgan Smithies on a three-year contract, with an option for an additional two seasons. The 25-year-old becomes the latest British recruit to join the new franchise, which has dubbed its English contingent the “Blitz of Britain.”

Smithies will join fellow English internationals Harry Newman, James McDonnell, and Mikolaj Oledzki as part of the Bears’ inaugural squad. The forward brings extensive experience, having spent five seasons competing in the Super League before transferring to the Canberra Raiders in 2024. At Canberra, Smithies has been a key figure in the Raiders’ middle forward rotation, appearing in nearly 200 career games across both the Super League and the National Rugby League (NRL).

Smithies expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to be part of the historic launch of the Perth Bears and to reconnect with several players of British origin within the squad. “The opportunity to make history and be a part of the Perth Bears was too good to refuse,” he said. He also highlighted the strong roster assembled by Bears coach Mal Meninga and his staff, describing it as an “honour to be part of it.” Smithies noted the move also marked a new chapter for his family, expressing their commitment to establishing themselves in Western Australia.

Bears head coach Mal Meninga welcomed Smithies’ arrival, emphasizing the player’s accomplishments on and off the field. “Morgan is a fantastic person who has succeeded at just about every level of the game,” Meninga said. He pointed to Smithies’ blend of big-game experience, work ethic, and selflessness as major assets. “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,” Meninga added.

The Perth Bears are set to reveal their inaugural home jersey on Friday, ahead of the NRL’s scheduled game between the Melbourne Storm and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Perth on Saturday. The addition of Smithies and other English players underscores the club’s strategic effort to blend established talent with international experience as it prepares for its debut season.

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