Perth Bears hope to sign Matt Burton as recruitment talks continue
General manager Gareth Holmes says Burton has visited Perth with his family as the Bears prepare to enter the NRL in 2027.
Perth Bears general manager Gareth Holmes is hopeful of progress on signing Canterbury utility Matt Burton within about a week, following the Test and NSW representative’s visit to Perth.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Bears’ away jumper at North Sydney Oval, Holmes said Burton had toured the club’s facilities and spent time with former teammates during a family trip.
Holmes said the Bears had offered Burton the opportunity to play five-eighth for the new side. He also saw value in bringing Burton back together with Toby Sexton, his former halves partner at the Bulldogs, but acknowledged Burton still had significant decisions to make.
The Bears will return to the NRL in 2027 after a 28-year absence, with most of their matches to be played in Western Australia. Their recruits include Sexton, Nick Meaney, Tyran Wishart, Scott Sorensen, Liam Henry and Corey Horsburgh.
Separately, Perth hopes to hold a trial at North Sydney Oval in late February. Cricket NSW has told the club that moving Sydney grade fixtures would cost around A$200,000, which the Bears would have to pay. Discussions remain ongoing.
