Perth have signalled their desire to bring local talent into the NRL, trumpeting the signing of their first West Australian teenager on a long-term emerging talent deal.
The Bears on Tuesday heralded the signing of 15-year-old fullback Zane Murray, putting him on a three-year elite emerging player deal.
The contract will have Murray join the North Sydney Bears pathways program for a month in January, before he returns to Perth.
The Bears have set up pathways links in both NSW and Queensland ahead of next year's entry to the NRL, but are desperate to also produce local talent.
Both North Sydney and the Brisbane Tigers will have sides in underage competitions next year, adding to the Bears pathways' system.
But Bears officials are aiming to have their own Perth under-19s SG Ball side playing in the NSW competition by 2029, as part of the state's development.
"Growing the game in WA isn't just about bringing players in from other states. It's about finding and developing talent right here at home," coach Mal Meninga said.
View this post on Instagram
"Zane is a perfect example of that.
"He's a young man with genuine ability and a real love for the game. We're excited to see him grow within our program over the years ahead."
Murray has been player of the match in the past two under-15s NRL WA junior grand finals, and has represented Western Australia at national school championships for the past two years.
"I really want to see where I am at in terms of my physicality and fitness against the North Sydney boys. I am very excited about it," the teenager said.
