Zac Lomax may have toured the Western Force's facilities on Tuesday, but one of his former representative coaches has left the door open for him to return to the NRL.
The Perth Bears announced their first two major signings today but coach Mal Meninga appeared to have his eye on a third potential player too.
Toby Sexton will join the Bears on the back of a season in the Super League after he was squeezed out of the Bulldogs by the controversial arrival of Lachlan Galvin. English centre Harry Newman will also make the move from the Super League.
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The pair are the only two signings that the club has confirmed so far, but Meninga insists fans will not have to wait too much longer to learn who else is making the move to the Western side of the nation.
Lomax has been spotted in Western Australia this week, although his purpose for being in the state was not related to the Perth Bears.
Instead, he went on a tour of the Western Force's facilities on Tuesday.
A spokesperson from the Force confirmed Lomax's attendance and declared "he is a standout athlete with significant potential".
However, with ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys confirming Lomax would be welcomed back to the NRL following the demise of R360, Meninga has vocalised his interest.
"I see our chairman Peter V'Landys made a comment that he is welcome back in our game," Meninga told Wide World of Sports with Adam Hawse on Tuesday evening.
"If he did become available, then why wouldn't we enter into those sort of conversations.
"You'd be silly not to. He is a great player, a great person. I've had a bit to do with him in the national side. He would be a great asset to any club.
"Like most of those marquee guys, every club would be trying to get his services because he is such a good player."
Lomax's versatility on the field could see him slot into the centres or on the wing for the Bears, but as Meninga said, the latest expansion side would not be the only party interested in the former Parramatta star's services.
The former Australian coach did not shy away from praising his latest signings.
"I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Toby and Harry to the Perth Bears in what is a truly historic day for our club," Meninga said in a statement released by the club.
"Both players have all the attributes and qualities I'm looking for when building out our roster.
"Toby is proven leader that works hard to make his teammates better. He is a quality person who I know will make the most of the opportunity to be a trailblazer for the Perth Bears.
"Harry is a Test player who has been a part of the successful Leeds Rhinos system for several years.
"He has the skillset and experience to make an immediate impact in the NRL and I'm really excited to see what he can do when gets here in 2027."
Sexton will play the 2026 season with Catalans before switching to Perth in 2027.
The Bears will also add Newman, who was named Super League Young Player of the Year in 2020 and has played seven Tests for England.
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