Panthers premiership winner Scott Sorensen has revealed how his wife being from Perth played a key part in his decision to sign with Mal Meninga and the Bears. The 32-year-old will head out west on a two-year deal from 2027, joining current Panthers teammate Liam Henry in making the switch to the Bears.
It’s a big signing for Meninga’s new team, considering Sorensen has won four premierships at Penrith. Speaking on Wednesday, Sorensen opened up on the family connection that made his decision to leave the Panthers slightly easier
Perth is a fantastic city. I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the first-ever Perth Bears squad,” he said.
My wife is from Perth, so I know there is already a lot of excitement about the Bears coming into competition from people in Western Australia. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to be a part of the team and help set the standards and build the culture of the club from day one.”
Perth’s general manager of football David Sharpe said it’s a huge win to sign a player with a connection to the local community. “Scott has been on our radar for a long time. I am delighted we have managed to sign him to the Perth Bears for the next two years,” Sharpe said.
“He has a connection with Western Australia and is obviously a fantastic player who possesses the leadership qualities and ambition we look for when recruiting to our squad. I wish him all the best for the upcoming season and look forward to welcoming Scott and his young family to WA in 2027.”
Mal Meninga rapt with signing of Scott Sorensen
Sorensen has played 100 NRL games for the Panthers, as well as four Test matches for New Zealand. He started his career with stints at the Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks.
He’ll add steel and discipline to the Bears’ forward pack, joining fellow NRL signings Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart (from Melbourne), Sean Russell (Parramatta), Josh Curran (Bulldogs), Chris Vea’ila (Cronulla) and Henry. They Bears have also snared the likes of James McDonnell, Harry Newman, Luke Smith, Toby Sexton, Emarly Bitungane and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui from Super League clubs.
“Scott is a natural leader who had great success at club and international level,” said Bears head coach Meninga. “He has great skill with the ball and really sets the tone with his defence. Above all, Scott is a selfless person who other players want to play with. I’m very excited to welcome him and his family to the Perth Bears.”
