Former Wigan Warriors ace Morgan Smithies to make NRL switch with long-term contract confirmed

Former Wigan Warriors forward Morgan Smithies has agreed to join Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027.

The 25-year-old has spent the last three seasons with Canberra Raiders after arriving from Wigan, but he has now agreed a three-year deal with Perth, with the option for a further two years.

Smithies becomes the fourth Englishman to join the Bears ahead of their maiden NRL campaign, with Leeds Rhinos trio Harry Newman, Mikolaj Oledzki and James McDonnell having already signed for Mal Meninga’s side from 2027 and beyond.

“The opportunity to make history and be a part of the Perth Bears was too good to refuse,” Smithies said.

“It will be great to reconnect with a few of the lads from back home in Perth. Mal and his staff have assembled a very strong roster, and it’s an honour to be a part of it.

“This is a new chapter for my family as well. We are committed to the Perth Bears, and it’s an exciting opportunity to build our life in Western Australia.”

Smithies came through Wigan’s famed youth system and went on to make 114 appearances across five seasons with the Warriors’ first-team before heading to Canberra ahead of the 2024 campaign.

The Halifax native won the Challenge Cup in 2022 with Matt Peet’s side before helping the Warriors win the Super League Grand Final the following year in what proved to be his final game for Wigan before making the move Down Under.

Bears coach Meninga is delighted to have secured the services of Smithies, who has won three caps for England since making his international debut in 2023.

“Morgan is a fantastic person who has succeeded at just about every level of the game,” Meninga said.

“He’s only 25 years old and has played nearly 200 games across Super League and the NRL.

“He brings big game experience, a fantastic work ethic and, most important of all, is a selfless team-mate.

“I’m delighted Morgan and his family believe in what we are creating in Perth, and I have no doubt he will be a big part of this club for many years to come.”

Smithies will be hoping to make his World Cup debut later this year under the guidance of England’s new coach Brian McDermott.