The Perth Bears have added proven quality and exciting potential to their inaugural roster by securing two new outside backs. Premiership winner Gehamat Shibasaki and highly rated Bulldogs prospect Jope Rauqe will both join the expansion club for its first NRL season in 2027.
The Bears officially confirmed both signings on Thursday as coach Mal Meninga continues assembling a squad capable of making an immediate impact. Shibasaki will arrive following a remarkable career revival with Brisbane, while Rauqe is viewed as one of the brightest young outside backs in the game.
Gehamat Shibasaki
Shibasaki will bring premiership experience and international quality to Perth after enjoying a breakout campaign with the Broncos in 2025.
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The powerful centre scored two tries and produced three line breaks in Brisbane’s grand final victory before representing Queensland and Australia. Zero Tackle reports that Shibasaki has agreed to a two-year contract worth approximately $500,000 per season, although the Bears have not publicly confirmed the financial terms.
Meninga revealed Shibasaki had been on Perth’s recruitment radar for some time, praising his size, strength, big-game experience and character.
Shibasaki said the chance to join the Bears for their historic first season was too significant to reject and backed Meninga’s vision for the new club.
“I’m confident we can make an immediate impact,” Shibasaki said.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire also praised Shibasaki’s development, describing his transformation throughout 2025 as one of the standout experiences of his coaching career.
Jope Rauqe
Rauqe will leave the Canterbury Bulldogs system to continue his development under Meninga in Perth.
The 19-year-old winger represented New South Wales at Under-19s level in June and made his Test debut for Fiji in 2025. He has progressed through Canterbury’s pathways system and was recently named on the wing for the Bulldogs in the Jersey Flegg Cup.
Meninga described Rauqe as an athletic and natural try scorer capable of bringing immediate energy to the Bears’ backline.
While Perth has confirmed Rauqe will join the club in 2027, the length and structure of his contract have not been publicly disclosed. Zero Tackle reported that inquiries had been made with the Bears seeking clarification on those details.
Rauqe believes the expansion club provides the best environment for him to continue developing towards a regular NRL career.
Bears Continue Building for 2027
Shibasaki and Rauqe join a growing Perth roster that already includes experienced recruits and several emerging prospects.
Bears general manager of football Gareth Holmes said Rauqe would form part of the club’s long-term future alongside Mason Barber, Jasais Ah Kee and Apa Twidle. He also indicated further recruitment announcements were expected as Perth continues preparing for its 2027 entry.
The two signings highlight Perth’s balanced recruitment strategy, with the club targeting established first-grade performers while also investing in talented young players who can develop under Meninga.
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