England international Morgan Smithies is reportedly at the centre of attention for several clubs, including some in Super League with the NRL man’s future for 2027 undecided as yet.
It had appeared earlier in the year that Canberra Raiders had moved to re-sign Smithies beyond the end of the 2026 season with a reported three-year deal put on the table late last year.
That would have kept him playing in the green of Canberra until the end of 2029 but no official news of a new deal has been announced by the Raiders or Smithies, and that’s led to him being talked about as a possible signing option for a number of clubs.
Earlier this month, Perth Bears were encouraged to go and sign the forward with plenty of questions asked about the quality of their squad ahead of their inaugural season next year and it now seems that the Bears are listening.
According to a report from The Daily Telegraph, the Bears have ‘turned their attention’ to Smithies and that’s understandable given his talent but also the English contingent that has already signed for the NRL’s 18th club.
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Could Smithies become the latest Englishman to sign for Perth?
Perth have made several Super League signings with Toby Sexton of Catalans announced as their first signing alongside Leeds Rhinos’ Harry Newman, whilst Mikolaj Oledzki and James McDonnell have also since been confirmed.
Smithies would add plenty to their pack but the Bears could face a challenge from other NRL clubs, given Smithies’ talents, but also from Super League clubs according to the report.
Super League clubs are reportedly keeping an eye on the Smithies’ contract situation with clubs on either side of the globe ‘circling’ for the signature of the 25-year-old, who to date has made 65 NRL appearances, 105 Super League appearances, whilst earning three caps for England.
Interestingly, the same report also suggests that Perth are taking an interest in Wakefield Trinity’s Tyson Smoothy, who Daryl Powell confirmed would return to Australia at the end of the year.
