Perth Bears have signed Brisbane Broncos head of recruitment and can start signing players from November 1

The Perth Bears have landed a major signing coup that will allow the club to ramp up its player recruitment spree.

Nine’s Danny Weidler reports the Bears have locked in Dane Campbell as head of recruitment.

Campbell is currently working at Brisbane but has told the Broncos he is leaving to join the NRL’s new franchise.

The Bears will enter the competition in 2027 and can start signing players from November 1.

Campbell will be in charge of the recruiting process and will have a blank canvas to work with, with a full squad of 30 players to fill before the 2027 season kicks off.

While the Bears have not yet been allowed to officially sign any players, they have been linked to several.Gold Coast captain and Origin forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui looms as the big fish Campbell will be looking to hook for the club’s inaugural season.

Reports had previously claimed head coach Mal Meninga was trying to poach Titans recruitment chief Ezra Howe to the role.

Campbell is only the fourth employee to sign on with the Bears.

Meninga will be head coach and will be assisted by Ben Gardiner, while Anthony De Ceglie is the club’s CEO.

Weidler reports Ian Millward will be the fifth employee after agreeing to a head of pathways role.

A nine-person board convened for its second meeting just last month.