Perth Bears sign premiership-winning forward Liam Henry, ramp up pursuit of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

As the Perth Bears roster begins to take shape through the addition of Liam Henry, they are still holding out hope that they can lure the Titans’ star prop out west.

Perth Bears’ bold bid to land Kangaroos and Gold Coast forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has gathered momentum after the club signed his younger brother, Iszac.

The Bears announced on Wednesday that Iszac and Penrith forward Liam Henry were the latest players to join Perth ahead of their inaugural season in 2027.

Iszac, 24, currently plays with Catalans Dragons in France.

Signing Iszac may just influence Tino, who has a get-out clause allowing him to leave the Titans after the 2026 season, to head west.

Iszac signed a two-year deal at Perth while the 24-year-old Henry committed for four seasons.

Henry brings a winning pedigree to the Bears. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

“The Perth Bears provide an incredible opportunity for me to continue my career and play a part in building something special in Western Australia,” said Fa’asuamaleaui.

“It’s going to be good to get to play with Toby (Sexton, who signed with Perth last week) at Catalans and hopefully have a strong year in Super League.

“That’s my priority right now but, in 2027, I’ll be ready to give it my all for the Bears.”

Henry, who won a premiership in 2024 with the Panthers, has been a mainstay of the Penrith side over the past two seasons but became a free agent on November 1, should prove a pivotal buy.

“This is another proud day for the Perth Bears,” said coach Mal Meninga.

“Liam is one of the most exciting middle forward prospects in the NRL and I am ecstatic to have him as part of our inaugural roster.

“Iszac is a versatile and athletic forward who will look to continue his development with Catalans next season before coming to Perth for 2027.

“Both players have their best footy in front of them and I have no doubt will make an immediate impact with the Bears.”

Henry added: “I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of history and continue my career with the Perth Bears from 2027.

Can Iszac lure his brother west?

“It’s not every day you get the chance to be a part of a new team in a new city and it’s that opportunity that excites me the most.”

Henry will link with former Panthers assistant Ben Gardiner who is on Meninga’s coaching staff at the Bears.

Perth’s general manager of football David Sharpe was delighted with the latest additions to the Bears roster.

“Liam and Iszac are quality humans who I know will relish the opportunity to continue their careers in Western Australia,” Sharpe said.

“We are building something special over here and I am delighted to have them both as part of our inaugural top-30 squad.”

Perth announced the signings of halfback Sexton and English centre Harry Newman to two-year contracts last week as well as young forwards Luke Smith from Canterbury and Emarly Bitungane from the Cowboys.

Smith and Bitungane have both signed two-year deals with the Bears and will play for the London Broncos in 2026 before heading to Perth.

Originally published as Perth Bears sign premiership-winning forward Liam Henry, ramp up pursuit of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui