Scott Sorensen

Carrying one of the most revered and storied surnames in New Zealand rugby league history, versatile forward Scott Sorensen built his relentless reputation across multiple elite systems before cementing his place among the game's modern greats.

The veteran edge and middle forward followed a proud family legacy — walking the path carved out by his grandfather Bill, an exceptional five-eighth in the 1950s, and his legendary uncles Dane and Kurt, who shone as engine-room enforcers in the 1970s and ’80s. Since breaking into the topflight back in 2014, the powerhouse utility has amassed upwards of 140 first-grade appearances during highly competitive tenures with the Cronulla Sharks, Canberra Raiders, and Penrith Panthers.

Sorensen's career reached ultimate heights upon arriving at the foot of the Mountains, where his tireless work ethic, rugged defensive output, and explosive running lines became central to a historic era of modern dominance. He operated as a vital, immovable asset within the Penrith machine, playing an integral frontline role in securing four consecutive NRL Premiership victories from 2021 to 2024. His elite domestic consistency and championship-winning pedigree rightfully earned him ultimate international honours on the global stage, culminating in a marquee selection for New Zealand’s 2022 World Cup squad.

Pledging his extensive championship experience to the top-tier expansion frontier, Sorensen has secured his future in the West to headline the Perth Bears forward pack for their foundational campaigns commencing in 2027. The rare opportunity to transport over a decade of high-stakes professional knowledge to Western Australia and help mold a brand-new top-flight culture served as a powerful motivator for the multi-time premiership winner. The Bears view his signing as an absolute cornerstone recruitment masterstroke, providing a highly decorated veteran leader capable of instilling an elite, hard-nosed winning blueprint from the very first training session.

Head Coach Mal Meninga said adding a four-time premiership winner of Sorensen's international calibre provides an invaluable cultural and tactical anchor for the inaugural squad.

“Scott is a natural leader who had great success at club and international level,” Meninga said. “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.”