Cronulla Sharks skipper Cameron McInnes has reportedly emerged as a recruitment target for the Perth Bears ahead of their planned NRL entry in 2027.
The 31-year-old forward, who is contracted to the Sharks until the end of 2026, will be free to negotiate with rival clubs from 1 November this year.
According to Brent Read on Triple M’s NRL Daily, Perth are exploring the possibility of adding the one-time NSW Blues representative to their first-ever squad, banking on his leadership and work rate as they prepare to build from scratch.
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McInnes open to short-term deals
McInnes has been a fixture in the Sharks’ pack since joining from St George Illawarra in 2022, having started his NRL career with South Sydney in 2014.
Known for his relentless energy and defensive steel, he has captained Cronulla on and off the field, but has made no secret of his willingness to play year-to-year.
“It's not smart business for clubs to be signing old blokes for too long a deal. If it means that I need to prove it every year, then that's good. At the age I'm at, that's important," he told Australian Associated Press in March. "As long as I'm playing good footy, I'm confident there'll be somewhere for me.”
While McInnes insists he still has more to achieve, his mix of experience and professionalism could make him an ideal foundation signing for the Bears, if they can tempt him away from the Shire.