The Perth Bears have bolstered their outside backs with the signing of Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs winger Jonathan Sua on a three-year deal.
Sua brings genuine pace to the Bears' backline, having built a reputation as one of the quicker outside backs coming through the Bulldogs' pathway system. His speed has translated into results, with 47 tries in 50 NSW Cup appearances, and 175 running metres in his first NRL appearance.
The former St Johns Eagles junior, who attended Bass High School, progressed through Canterbury's ranks via the Harold Matthews Cup, SG Ball Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup before graduating to NSW Cup level, where he made his reserve-grade debut in July 2023 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The 22-year-old spent the best part of three seasons building his reputation in the Bulldogs' NSW Cup side, playing close to 40 reserve-grade games between 2023 and 2025, before his finishing ability came to the fore during his 2025 campaign — form that saw him elevated from Canterbury's development unit into the club's Top 30 squad for 2026.
His NRL debut came in the final round of the 2024 season against the North Queensland Cowboys, where he made an immediate impact, running for 175 metres. He has since added to his NRL experience in 2026, making six appearances for the Bulldogs.
Sua's signing continues the Bears' strategy of targeting proven junior talent with a demonstrated pathway into first grade, adding further depth to the club's outside backs ahead of its maiden NRL season.
"This is a massive opportunity for me, and I can't wait to get started. Being part of a brand-new club, building something from the very first day, isn't something a lot of players get the chance to do. I want to make the most of it and show what I can do on a bigger stage," Sua said.
"I've worked really hard over the last few seasons to get to this point, and I feel like my footy is in a really good place right now. I know there's still so much more improvement in my game. I'm ready to put in the work to become the best winger I can be."
"Moving to Perth is a big step, but everything I've heard about what this club is building really excites me. Getting to be one of the foundation players, and to learn under a coach like Mal, is a huge opportunity. I want to help create something special for the people of WA and Bears fans across the country."
Head coach Mal Meninga said Sua would be a great addition to the squad for the Bears' debut NRL season next year.
"We've spent a lot of time building what we believe is going to form a competitive team," Meninga said.
"Jon was a player we targeted early in our recruitment drive and I'm very happy he chose to be a Bear. He has progressed well through the 2026 season and proven he can play at NRL level. His effort levels playing on the wing have been excellent."
"We know he is ready and wants to be a regular NRL player, so the club is excited he is coming west."
General Manager of Football Gareth Holmes said Sua's signing was another recruitment win for the club as it secured its 27th player for its Top 30 squad.
"Signings like Jonathan's are a great example of our recruitment strategy in action — identifying players with genuine upside who are on the verge of becoming genuine first-grade regulars," he said.
"He's got outstanding junior pedigree, a strong strike rate in reserve grade, and he's already shown at NRL level that he can perform on the big stage. We're really excited about what he can bring to our outside backs as we build toward 2027."
Sua's arrival adds further depth to Perth's roster, with the club continuing to build a squad blending proven NRL experience with genuine emerging talent ahead of its historic entry into the competition as the league's 18th team.
