The new year has kicked off with a bang for the Perth Bears with Bulldogs forward Josh Curran agreeing to join the club on a three-year deal to start in 2027.
A proud Dharug man, Curran represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2024 and is certain to be mainstay for the Bears forward pack in 2027 and beyond.
Since making his debut in 2019, the 26-year-old has played 106 NRL matches for the Sydney Roosters, New Zealand Warriors and Canterbury Bulldogs.
Curran's tenacity and commitment on the field is matched only by his attitude to make a positive difference in the community off it.
It's this desire to invest in creating a new culture and community that represents the ambition of Western Australia while recognising the history and tradition of the North Sydney Bears that proved too hard for Curran to ignore.
"This is an exciting opportunity that I just couldn't pass up," Curran said.
"The chance to be a part of the Bears inaugural squad, to have my name as one of their first signings is surreal.
"I'm passionate about getting out in the community and to have the opportunity to create something from the ground up that can inspire a whole state also motives me.
"This is history for our game and I'm super excited to be a part of it."
Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said he was delighted to welcome Josh Curran to the club.
"Josh brings a unique combination of skill and finesse with the ball along with tenacity in defence. He plays with intensity and a commitment to be make his teammates shine," Meninga said.
"I couldn't be more impressed with Josh off the field too. He is a leader who spends countless hours investing back into the community.
"Josh is a fantastic signing for the Bears and I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with him in 2027."
About Perth Bears
Perth Bears will join the NRL as its 18th team in 2027, marking the return of professional rugby league to Western Australia since 1997. Founded on two proud legacies - rugby league in WA and the North Sydney Bears, the team's unique supporter base stretches from coast to coast and is united in growing the game to put the 'National' in National Rugby League.
