Signings watch: The marquee signing the Bears should target

With the Perth Bears struggling to sign a big-name recruit, David Riccio has named the marquee player the franchise should sign.

Entering the NRL in 2027, the Bears have signed the majority of their top 30 list, having blended experience and youth across the squad.

However, if there is one thing that Mal Meninga’s side lacks, it’s a marquee player.

This isn’t for want of trying, having pursued the likes of Cam Munster, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Jayden Campbell. But on all occasions, they have come up empty-handed.

With that in mind, Riccio believes the Bears should look at signing the Warriors’ Luke Metcalf.

Before his season-ending ACL injury in 2025, the half had a standout year, seeing him lead the Dally M throughout the season.  

But with Tanah Boyd at halfback and Chanel Harris-Tevita at five-eighth, the side has been humming in second place, seeing him only play two games.

Having previously declared on SEN that his preferred position is halfback, this has raised concerns around the 27-year-old’s future with the club.  

And with Boyd likely to re-sign, Riccio thinks the club will face a tough decision about what to do with Metcalf.

“Luke has had his injury issues and been out, and Tanah has taken the opportunity,” Riccio said on SEN’s Vossy’s Verdict.

“The Warriors want to extend Tanah. They don't want to lose him, and I know Tanah wants to stay as well.

“So, I think this is a deal that's going to get done. With that deal done it creates an issue of who stays and who plays where.

“Luke Metcalf has been quite ambitious and clear that he believes his best position is as a starting halfback.

“Well, it's not going to work, so something will have to give.”

While Metcalf doesn’t come out of contract until 2028 after extending his deal last October, Riccio notes that the Warriors could take an active step in releasing him, given the demand for a player of his quality.

“I think the Warriors will front foot this,” he continued.

“I think the Warriors will actually pick up the phone to Luke's management and try and decipher what they wanna do here.

“The thing here is, I don't think Luke Metcalf's going to struggle getting a new club.

“If it came to that, and particularly right now, the signing of Luke Metcalf by the Perth Bears would be an absolute fillip for the Perth Bears.

“He'd be a genuine X-Factor strike weapon, and I would firmly think that he goes in as being their marquee starting halfback.

“I'm not saying this is happening, I'm just putting it out there.”