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.
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."
Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said Campbell would bring a pioneering spirit to the job, ideal for a new frontier franchise.
"Dane's identification, negotiation and management of NRL playing lists is second-to-none," he said.
"We are very confident he is the perfect fit to help prepare the Perth Bears for a successful debut NRL season in 2027."
Millward is one of the game's most experienced operators in a suite of roles in Australia and the United Kingdom, where he twice coached St Helens to Super League grand-final glory, as well as winning two Challenge Cups and the World Club Challenge.
He said the Bears posting was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" he couldn't wait to sink his teeth into.
For Meninga, the appointments represent a breakthrough and a momentum shift.
Former Gold Coast recruitment boss Ezra Howe was set for the same role as Campbell at the Bears until the Titans complained to the NRL about his alleged activities moonlighting for the Bears while still employed.
Now Meninga, who will coach the side in 2027 and 2028, can start planning with certainty, knowing Millward and Campbell are secured.
"The enormity of the task shouldn't be underestimated," Meninga said.
"They give me a great sense of confidence having them in our cave. In line with the Bears' values of being forward-facing and bold, we will continue to have the very best of talent within our team."
