Perth Bears look to Super League again as St Helens star targeted for NRL move

Perth Bears could be set to raid Super League again, and another English international could make the move.

The Bears have already recruited a number of players from these shores, with Leeds Rhinos trio Harry Newman, James McDonnell and Mikolaj Oledzki all moving to Western Australia next season.

Catalans Dragons pair Toby Sexton and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui have both penned contracts, as have London Broncos duo Emarly Bitungane and Luke Smith.

Now, a sixth Super League player could be making the switch, with St Helens star Matty Lees targeted by Mal Meninga’s side.

Lees, who is Saints’ captain, is contracted to the Red Vee until 2029, however he has made no secret of wanting an NRL move at some point in his career.

Still only 28, there is plenty of rugby left in the England international’s tank, as he enters what many believe is the prime age of a forward’s career.

Australian media, The Daily Telegraph, have claimed that Meninga’s side want Lees, in what would be a blow to Saints given how influential he is to the side.

On the international stage, the prop played in all three Ashes Tests against the Aussies, and Perth are said to be ” at the front of the queue”, should he be available for a move.

The contract situation will no doubt play a factor, but Perth have shown that they can still lure under-contracted players to the club, with both Oledzki and Sexton having years left on their deal and have still made the move.

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