The Perth Bears have capped off another monumental week with confirmation NSW State of Origin representative and Tongan International Siosifa Talakai has signed a three-year deal with the club to start in 2027.
Talakai made his First-Grade debut in 2016 and has played 133 games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Cronulla Sharks.
The 28-year-old had a breakout year in 2022, playing two games for NSW in the State of Origin Series before representing Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup.
Devastating in both attack and defence, Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said Talakai will add a new dimension to the Bears squad.
"Sifa is a dynamic player that will provide us a real X factor in both attack and defence," Meninga said.
"He always punches through the line and has a fantastic off load. He also offers us versatility with the ability to play out wide in the centres and in the middle.
"I'm thrilled to be able to welcome Sifa and his young family over to Western Australia to be a part of the Perth Bears."
Talakai said the opportunity to relocate his family to Perth coupled with a desire to test himself as a foundation player were the primary reasons behind his decision to sign with the Perth Bears.
"Perth is the perfect place to raise a family and the opportunity to play the game I love, and to be a part of history with the Bears was too hard to refuse," Talakai said.
"I want to help Mal and all the team create something special in WA. It's an exciting opportunity and my family and I are very much looking forward to building our future there.
It's been a busy time for the Bears with today's announcement aligning with the signing of Scott Sorensen earlier in the week and the launch of the Perth Bears "Tracks" Academy.
Perth Bears General Manager of Football David Sharpe said the hard work had only just started as the 2027 season draws nearer.
"The addition of Scott and Siosifa this week really builds out our roster, and we are starting to see our squad take shape," Sharpe said.
"Both men have young families, and they believe in the opportunity that the Perth Bears can offer them both on and off the field.
"We still have a lot of work to do but I couldn't be happier with our recruitment so far.
"Bears fans can rest assured that in twelve months' time they will have a team that is ready to compete with the best of the best in the NRL competition."
