Penrith junior winger Hendrix Tapiki has become the first signing for the new Perth Bears NRL franchise. The 17-year-old unknown speedster scored 21 tries for Minchinbury in the Panthers junior league this year.
Breakdown
- Hendricks Topeki becomes the first signing for the Perth Bears, making rugby league history.
- Topeki, a winger for the Mitchenbury Jets, scored 21 tries in the under-17s competition this season. 8s
- He is expected to play for North Sydney next year before joining the Perth Bears. 14s
- The Bears plan to announce several higher-profile recruits before Christmas. 19s