The Perth Bears have locked in two of the NRL's most exciting prospects with confirmation Te Hurinui 'Apa' Twidle and Kit Laulilii have signed with the club for the 2027 season and beyond.
Twidle has signed for three years (2027,28 & 29), while Laulilii has signed with the Bears for two seasons (2027 & 28).
At 21 years of age, both players have shown enormous early potential as they transition from their respective junior programs into the NRL competition.
Born in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand, Twidle scored two tries for the Parramatta Eels in a dazzling NRL debut against Wests Tigers earlier this season.
Equally adept in the halves or as an outside back, Twidle starred at Marsden State High School before progressing through SG Ball Cup, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup with the Eels.
"I'm delighted to have the opportunity to continue my development under Mal and his staff at the Perth Bears.
"The Bears have recruited a strong roster so far and I'm excited about the prospect of moving across to Perth and making the most of every opportunity, both on and off the field." Twidle said.
Joining Twidle in Red and Black next season will be talented middle forward prospect Kit Laulilii.
Possessing skill and power, Laulilii had a distinguished junior career before making his first-grade debut for the Wests Tigers in 2023.
Kit will join younger brother Luke in the inaugural Perth Bears squad in what is a huge honour for the entire Laulilii family.
"We are a very close family and I'm extremely proud that Luke and I will have the chance to run out for the Perth Bears next season" Laulilii said.
"Mal spoke so passionately about what he wants to build in Perth, and it got our whole family excited about the opportunity to build our life in Western Australia".
"From a personal point of view, I know what I'm capable of on the field and I can't wait to run out for the Bears in 2027".
Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga declared Twidle and Laulilii will be a big part of the Bears plans for 2027 and beyond.
"Apa and Kit possess the character and skillset required to make an immediate impact for the Bears next season" Meninga said.
"Apa is a prodigious talent with who has excelled across multiple positions in the Eels junior pathways system for a long time now"
"He is highly talented and possesses the work ethic and attitude needed to make an immediate impact in our footy team". Meninga said.
"Kit is coming back from injury but has shown glimpses already that he has what it takes to make a real difference in the NRL competition.
"It takes a lot of courage for Kit, Luke and the Laulilii family to pack up and move to Perth but I think it speaks volumes for what we are creating in Western Australia". Meninga said.
