Bracey reveals 'biggest fear' as crunch Bears meeting looms

Perth Bears board member and 9News host James Bracey has revealed his "biggest fear" for the expansion franchise ahead of a crucial six months.

The competition's newest team will officially be able to sign players for the 2027 season later this year when the November free agency period begins, and they've already been linked to a host of superstars.

Jahrome Hughes and Api Koroisau have recently put pen to paper on fresh contracts with their current clubs, knocking back potential big-money offers from the Bears.

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This week, Cameron Munster has been linked with the team despite having another two years to run on his contract with the Storm, while in-form Cronulla hooker Blayke Brailey and Manly winger Reuben Garrick both look set to test the market.

But as it was pointed out by Bracey on the 200th edition of Nine's Freddy and The Eighth, official negotiations with off-contract players can't start until much later in the year and it has seen the Bears "getting used" by clubs and managers in contract negotiations.

"It seems that every player at the moment is getting tied to the Bears," he said.

"They are definitely getting used at the moment, even though discussions for the Bears don't start until November 1, just like every other team.

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"My biggest fear is that there will be an illusion that to get them over there, you will have to pay overs. If it's a $1.4 million player, you have to pay $1.6 or $1.7 million.

"Then you've got the tax-free income they could be getting from PNG on top of that ... it's definitely got its challenges."

A Papua New Guinea team will enter the NRL in 2028 and also be looking to fill a roster of players.

Brad Fittler admitted even though no proper discussions or contracts can be put forward from the Bears yet, things would be moving along in the background.

"If you're not starting now, you're behind the eight ball," he said.

"That's what is gonna happen though, managers will use your team."

There will be no shortage of targets for Bracey's Bears, but they will need to move in a swift manner if they are to land a marquee name for their inaugural campaign.

Kalyn Ponga, for example, has already committed to playing for the Knights until the end of 2027.

The Bears board will hold their first official meeting next week and one of the main topics will undoubtedly be who coach Mal Meninga is eyeing off to wear the red and black jersey.

"We've got our first board meeting next week and we will be able to have a chat to him - knowing him, he's gonna have a hit list," Bracey said of Meninga. 

"If you got a Munster or [Ryan] Papenhuyzen, one of those players - I'm not trying to annoy the Storm here, just answering the question.

"But you need a big-ticket item to attract other players over there and sell the game." 

Munster is signed with Melbourne until the end of 2027 and the club would be reluctant to let him walk out early, but Papenhuyzen is likely to become available in November.

The gun fullback met with R360 bosses last weekend and could be set to sign a deal that would pocket him $1.5 million per year to join the rebel rugby union competition.