Perth Bears land Panthers half in major three-year signing

The Perth Bears have continued assembling their inaugural squad, securing Penrith Panthers playmaker Jack Cole on a three-year deal ahead of the club’s entry into the NRL in 2027.

The 23-year-old becomes the latest player to commit to the expansion club, with Perth continuing its aggressive recruitment drive as it builds the foundations of its first-ever NRL roster under coach Mal Meninga.

Cole arrives after progressing through Penrith’s renowned development system, where he spent years learning alongside one of the competition’s premier halves in Nathan Cleary while developing into an NRL-calibre playmaker.

Although opportunities have been limited behind Penrith’s established spine, Cole has featured in 18 first-grade games and shown enough promise to convince the Bears he can play a significant role in the club’s future.

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«I’m stoked to sign with Perth and be a part of their historic inaugural squad, I believe this club can help me continue to develop as a player and I’m excited about the opportunity to move to Perth and get out amongst the community.» Cole said.

Meninga believes the young half will provide valuable depth and organisation to the squad as Perth prepares for its first season in the competition.

«Jack is a talented half who has enjoyed a lot of success both as a junior coming up through the ranks and obviously with the Panthers,» Meninga said.

Cole joined Penrith’s academy as a teenager before working his way through one of the strongest pathways systems in the NRL, making his first-grade debut in 2022 after helping guide the club’s NSW Cup side to premiership success.

His signing further strengthens Perth’s developing spine, with Cole expected to compete alongside Toby Sexton and Tyran Wishart for a halves position when the Bears take the field for the first time in 2027.

Perth Bears land Panthers half in major three-year signing

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