NRL

The Perth Bears have added further depth to their halves stocks after securing Cronulla playmaker Niwhai Puru on a two-year deal beginning in 2027.

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Puru becomes the latest player to commit to the expansion club as Mal Meninga continues piecing together his inaugural roster, with the 24-year-old viewed as another emerging talent capable of developing into a regular NRL playmaker.

The halfback made his first-grade debut for Cronulla earlier this season and featured in three NRL appearances after earning his opportunity through strong performances with the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup.

A Penrith junior, Puru has steadily built his reputation over recent seasons, playing a key role in Newtown’s 2024 NSW Cup premiership before forcing his way into the Sharks’ top-grade squad.

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He also represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2025, proudly showcasing his Mununjali and Githabal heritage on one of rugby league’s biggest representative stages.

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Puru said the opportunity to become part of the Bears’ foundation squad was one he could not pass up.

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«This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of history and continue my career with the Perth Bears,» Puru said.

The signing further strengthens Perth’s growing playmaking group, with Puru joining Tyran Wishart, Toby Sexton and fellow recent recruit Jack Cole among the club’s options in the halves.

After missing out on Jamie Humphreys earlier in the recruitment process, the Bears have responded by securing two young playmakers in quick succession as they continue shaping their squad ahead of their inaugural NRL campaign.

Puru has long been regarded as a player for the future at Cronulla and is highly rated by the Sharks, who will no doubt be disappointed to lose him. However, with Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall entrenched as the club’s first-choice halves for the foreseeable future, there was little opportunity for him to establish himself as a regular NRL starter.

Perth’s recruitment drive is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the club still holding several roster spots as it looks to finalise its squad for 2027.

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