Perth Bears Add Luke Smith & Emarly Bitungane as Inaugural Squad Takes Shape
The Perth Bears have continued their rapid recruitment drive ahead of their 2027 NRL debut, securing the signatures of Luke Smith and Emarly Bitungane—less than 24 hours after announcing foundation signings Harry Newman and Toby Sexton.
The pair will join Perth following their 2026 campaign with the London Broncos, adding further youth, athleticism, and long-term potential to Mal Meninga’s developing roster.
Emarly Bitungane: A Trailblazer on the Rise
Few players have climbed the rugby league ladder as quickly as Emarly Bitungane.
Born in Tanzania, Bitungane only picked up the sport at age 15. Eight years later, he completed a remarkable rise when he made his NRL debut for the North Queensland Cowboys in 2025, becoming just the second African player in NRL history to reach first grade.
Bitungane debuted on August 3, 2025, against Cronulla at Sharks Stadium—a tough, rain-soaked clash the Cowboys lost 32–12. Despite the result, the young forward impressed with his physicality and effort.
His signing gives Perth a high-upside forward who is still developing but boasts a raw power profile that clubs rarely find on the open market.
Luke Smith: A Hard-Working Prospect With Leadership Credentials
The Bears have also landed Luke Smith, a 22-year-old second-rower who made his NRL debut for the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2025.
Smith brings leadership experience, having captained the Bulldogs’ Jersey Flegg premiership-winning side in 2024, before stepping up into NSW Cup in 2025—where he crossed for six tries across the season.
Long regarded as one of Canterbury’s most consistent young forwards, Smith adds work ethic, mobility and mid-range experience to Perth’s edge stocks.
Perth’s 2027 Roster Is Rapidly Taking Shape
Following yesterday’s announcement of Newman and Sexton, the Bears’ recruitment momentum is accelerating, with the club expected to unveil further signings in the coming weeks.
CEO Anthony De Ceglie has already spoken about record commercial interest, while GM of Football David Sharpe continues targeting players who fit the club’s long-term vision.
With Bitungane and Smith now locked in, Perth’s inaugural squad is beginning to establish a clear identity—young, ambitious and built for growth.
