An unknown young winger from Penrith is set to go down in history as the first signing of the new Perth Bears franchise.
Hendrix Tapiki, a genuine speedster who scored 21 tries this year for the Minchinbury club in the strong Panthers junior league, has put pen to paper with the Bears.
An announcement is expected in coming days.
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The Bears are chasing several big names and hope to have some established players on the books before Christmas in preparation for their maiden season in 2027.
But no matter which superstars they bring on board, 17-year-old Tapiki will always have the distinction of being their first signing.
The fledgling club plans to play the youngster in the SG Ball Cup with their Sydney feeder club, the North Sydney Bears, next season, working on developing his speed and skills.
He is then likely to be graded as a development player when the Bears enter the big league in 2027.
Although primarily a winger, Tapiki also has the skill set to play in the centres and he could find himself playing more football there as he learns his craft.
