The Perth Bears recruited rugby union standout Cooper Watters ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2027. Watters is a U20 Wallabies player who will make the switch from rugby union. The Perth franchise landed the rising prospect in a fresh code raid prior to joining the league.

This addition represents the newest cross-code addition for Meninga's Bears. The Perth franchise picked up the player in a bold cross-code coup before its official entry into the NRL. Watters brings his skills as a U20 Wallabies player to the Perth franchise.