The Perth Bears recruited rugby union prospect Cooper Watters ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2027. Watters is a U20 Wallabies prospect who will change codes from rugby union. The Perth club secured the promising player in a fresh code raid prior to joining the league.

This addition represents the newest cross-code acquisition for Meninga's Bears. The Perth franchise acquired the prospect in a major cross-code coup before its official entry into the NRL. Watters brings his experience as a U20 Wallabies player to the Perth franchise.