DIEHARD
Custodian
A thread for the NRL's 18th club
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Perth Bears
- Thread starter DIEHARD
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DIEHARD
Custodian
Perth Bears get their man as ARLC set to name league legend as head coach
Mal Meninga is reportedly set to be named as the Perth Bears head coach within days after the NRL interviewed a host of high-profile candidates for the role.
According to Code Sports, the ARL Commission is set to make an unveil Meninga as the figurehead of the 17th franchise in the coming weeks.
Meninga and the ARLC are reportedly finalising his contract and decided on his salary which will end a 25-year hiatus from NRL coaching.
The current Kangaroos coach has reportedly beat out the lines of Sam Burgess, Brad Arthur and Kevin Walters for the role.
A Meninga and Burgess coaching duo was also floated, with the current Warrington Wolves coach being initially and assistant before taking over the head coaching role.
However, the English rugby league legend is hopeful of becoming an NRL head coach once his current contract expires at the end of the 2026 season.
Arthur, meanwhile, emerged as the initial preferred candidate but reportedly hasn’t had any correspondence from the ARLC and is resigned to missing out on the role.
Meninga’s last tenure as an NRL coach ended at the Raiders in 2001 and he will have to vacate his role with the Kangaroos to begin with the Bears.
He won 66 of his 125 games in charge in the nation’s capital, while his time with Australia has been incredibly successful.
“I haven’t had any conversations about this (quitting Australia) and to be honest I don’t want to make any comments,” Meninga said to News Corp.
“It will be addressed if and only if the decision (to coach Perth) becomes a reality. The reality for me is that I’m the current Aussie coach.”
Matt King, Justin Holbrook and Josh Hannay have reportedly been floated as potential assistant coaches.
Mal Meninga is reportedly set to be named as the Perth Bears head coach within days after the NRL interviewed a host of high-profile candidates for the role.
According to Code Sports, the ARL Commission is set to make an unveil Meninga as the figurehead of the 17th franchise in the coming weeks.
Meninga and the ARLC are reportedly finalising his contract and decided on his salary which will end a 25-year hiatus from NRL coaching.
The current Kangaroos coach has reportedly beat out the lines of Sam Burgess, Brad Arthur and Kevin Walters for the role.
A Meninga and Burgess coaching duo was also floated, with the current Warrington Wolves coach being initially and assistant before taking over the head coaching role.
However, the English rugby league legend is hopeful of becoming an NRL head coach once his current contract expires at the end of the 2026 season.
Arthur, meanwhile, emerged as the initial preferred candidate but reportedly hasn’t had any correspondence from the ARLC and is resigned to missing out on the role.
Meninga’s last tenure as an NRL coach ended at the Raiders in 2001 and he will have to vacate his role with the Kangaroos to begin with the Bears.
He won 66 of his 125 games in charge in the nation’s capital, while his time with Australia has been incredibly successful.
“I haven’t had any conversations about this (quitting Australia) and to be honest I don’t want to make any comments,” Meninga said to News Corp.
“It will be addressed if and only if the decision (to coach Perth) becomes a reality. The reality for me is that I’m the current Aussie coach.”
Matt King, Justin Holbrook and Josh Hannay have reportedly been floated as potential assistant coaches.
Titanic
Immortal
Under a Meninga/Holbrook combo they will have the softest underbelly of all time.
DIEHARD
Custodian
It's a wrong move from the Bears Perth. Mal has this iconic status, which is most powerful in Queensland.
But I don't think he is an NRL coach. That's ok, neither am I and it's one of the hardest jobs out there.
Maybe he will be able to sign some players? Maybe he will use his Titans connections to get in the ear of some of our players? (Maybe we can also move some on?)
I hear talk of Holbrook and I know they are chums but I don't think that would be a good move either.
Brad Arthur in a role similar to the Dolphins Bennett/Wolfie + Hannay in the mix would be better IMO.
But I don't think he is an NRL coach. That's ok, neither am I and it's one of the hardest jobs out there.
Maybe he will be able to sign some players? Maybe he will use his Titans connections to get in the ear of some of our players? (Maybe we can also move some on?)
I hear talk of Holbrook and I know they are chums but I don't think that would be a good move either.
Brad Arthur in a role similar to the Dolphins Bennett/Wolfie + Hannay in the mix would be better IMO.
DIEHARD
Custodian
Perth Bears Unveil Logo Ahead of 2027 NRL Debut
New Year. New Bear. Same Spirit.
The Perth Bears today unveiled their logo in anticipation of their inaugural 2027 NRL season.
The logo was created by longtime passionate North Sydney Bears supporter and graphic designer Dave Carnovale.
Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said the logo paid homage and respect to the North Sydney Bears while embracing the club’s future in Western Australia.
“The Perth Bears are the most exciting story in Australian sport and we have taken our time to make sure we get this right,” De Ceglie said.
“The Perth Bears are a new club; but that will never change the fact that the birthplace and spiritual home of the ‘Bears’ in rugby league will always be North Sydney.
“We’re proud that our Bear has been developed from within North Sydney but with an eye on the future.
“We truly believe it represents something that both North Sydney fans and West Australian fans can truly get behind.”
Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said: “This is one club, one family, across two coasts”.
“This Bear honours the proud history of the Bears while embracing the energy of Western Australia,” he said.
The logo has the glowing support of two North Sydney Bears legends in Greg Florimo and Billy Moore.
“Great legacies do not disappear, they evolve and I am so excited to see our North Sydney Bear reimagined in WA,” Florimo said.
Moore added that the Bear “represents every player, every supporter, every moment that shaped the Bears. It respects where we’ve come from and proudly shows where we’re going.”
The logo also has the backing of Western Reds legend Mark Geyer.
“A new year brings fresh belief. I’ve witnessed first-hand how rugby league has grown here in the West before and I definitely know what it means when the wonderful state of WA gets behind their sporting team,” he said.
On the design, Mr Carnovale said he wanted to create a responsible evolution using the Bears DNA.
“This logo represents the restoration of the Bears’ place in the game they helped create, resulting in a timeless symbol that bridges heritage with future-readiness,” he said.
On his design becoming a reality, Carnovale said it was a huge honour.
“They are heading into such an exciting new chapter in Perth, just as the NRL is going global and I’m looking forward to seeing my sons recognise ‘daddy’s drawing’ out in the world,” he said.
Perth Bears Chairman Ben Morton said the excitement in Western Australia about entering the NRL was electric.
“The Perth Bears are a new club but not without history – West Australians get a Western Australian team in the NRL and loyal Bears supporters get the Bears back where they belong in Australia’s greatest sporting competition,” he said.
“The Perth Bears will always honour and respect the history of the Bears in Rugby League and under this new Bear, the Western Australian rugby league community and loyal Bears fans can unite as one in support of the Perth Bears in the NRL.”
Following this announcement, the club will launch a limited edition run of merchandise which is set to go live later today.
The Perth Bears today unveiled their logo in anticipation of their inaugural 2027 NRL season.
The logo was created by longtime passionate North Sydney Bears supporter and graphic designer Dave Carnovale.
Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said the logo paid homage and respect to the North Sydney Bears while embracing the club’s future in Western Australia.
“The Perth Bears are the most exciting story in Australian sport and we have taken our time to make sure we get this right,” De Ceglie said.
“The Perth Bears are a new club; but that will never change the fact that the birthplace and spiritual home of the ‘Bears’ in rugby league will always be North Sydney.
“We’re proud that our Bear has been developed from within North Sydney but with an eye on the future.
“We truly believe it represents something that both North Sydney fans and West Australian fans can truly get behind.”
Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said: “This is one club, one family, across two coasts”.
“This Bear honours the proud history of the Bears while embracing the energy of Western Australia,” he said.
The logo has the glowing support of two North Sydney Bears legends in Greg Florimo and Billy Moore.
“Great legacies do not disappear, they evolve and I am so excited to see our North Sydney Bear reimagined in WA,” Florimo said.
Moore added that the Bear “represents every player, every supporter, every moment that shaped the Bears. It respects where we’ve come from and proudly shows where we’re going.”
The logo also has the backing of Western Reds legend Mark Geyer.
“A new year brings fresh belief. I’ve witnessed first-hand how rugby league has grown here in the West before and I definitely know what it means when the wonderful state of WA gets behind their sporting team,” he said.
On the design, Mr Carnovale said he wanted to create a responsible evolution using the Bears DNA.
“This logo represents the restoration of the Bears’ place in the game they helped create, resulting in a timeless symbol that bridges heritage with future-readiness,” he said.
On his design becoming a reality, Carnovale said it was a huge honour.
“They are heading into such an exciting new chapter in Perth, just as the NRL is going global and I’m looking forward to seeing my sons recognise ‘daddy’s drawing’ out in the world,” he said.
Perth Bears Chairman Ben Morton said the excitement in Western Australia about entering the NRL was electric.
“The Perth Bears are a new club but not without history – West Australians get a Western Australian team in the NRL and loyal Bears supporters get the Bears back where they belong in Australia’s greatest sporting competition,” he said.
“The Perth Bears will always honour and respect the history of the Bears in Rugby League and under this new Bear, the Western Australian rugby league community and loyal Bears fans can unite as one in support of the Perth Bears in the NRL.”
Following this announcement, the club will launch a limited edition run of merchandise which is set to go live later today.
Titanic
Immortal
Completely underwhelming… about as original as calling Trump a tool
DIEHARD
Custodian
I'd like to be positive about it but the guy who designed it was a North Sydney Bears fan.
There really is zero representation of WA. That’s poor. They claim there is an outline of the WA state. But it morphs into nonsense. See below.
It would have been a wonderful idea to actually execute but nup...
I sincerely hope they put more effort into the jersey. And not just crap out a North Sydney replica.
The audacity!
Best part of their video was Mark Geyer in a Reds jersey. Would it kill them to add a splash of gold on a collar or sleeve?
Mal sounds like he is speaking in a portaloo.
Don't get me wrong I've been supporting and even donating and being a member of WA Reds and WARL for over 16 years for this. So it isn't easy stuff to say. Ok it is easy with Mal. I like Premier Roger Cook and I like Billy Moore.
Their recruitment has finally hit it's stride. Meaney and Wishart are good pickups.
Titanic
Immortal
The only positive is it’s in WA otherwise it’s exactly why I didn’t want those Norths farkers on the Goldie … they infiltrate like the most noxious weed.
DIEHARD
Custodian
Junior rugby league registrations skyrocket across Western Australia
www.nrl.com
Junior rugby league registrations across WA have skyrocketed as the Perth Bears prepare to join the NRL in 2027.
New figures from NRL WA reveal that player registrations have risen a remarkable 23 per cent in the crucial 13-15 age bracket year-on-year for this season.
Overall the registrations for total juniors aged 6-18 are up 17 per cent. And total registrations, including adults, are up 9 per cent.
The increase in participation will see the NRL WA “Fuel to Go & Play” Premiership feature three new top grade teams this season.
The Kwinana Titans, Kalamunda Bulldogs and the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs will all field first grade sides in 2026 – making it a nine-team competition.
NRL WA General Manager John Sackson said the incredible impact that the launch of the Perth Bears has had on the development of rugby league in the State was clear.
“We were always confident that the introduction of a Perth NRL team would generate greater interest and engagement in our sport and would trigger significant growth in participation,” he said.
“The positive numbers are also a reflection of the great work being done by NRL WA and the local club community who have worked hard to improve recruitment and retention & to maximise the excitement around the Bears announcement.”
Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said it was a “great testament to the NRL and WA Government’s vision to commit to the Perth Bears”.
“It’s great to be part of the origins of the Perth Bears and its impact on Rugby League in WA,” he said.
“Statistically it’s great news but we also acknowledge all the selfless actions of NRL WA and the many community volunteers who have kept the fire burning over many years.
“I’m very aware it’s only the beginning but it’s an investment we will be prepared for.
“We will definitely walk alongside all our supporters in assisting it become a reality.
“The Perth Bears have to provide these young players a pathway to the NRL and it’ll be great to have our first WA-born player putting on the red-and-black jersey.”
Perth Bears General Manager of Football David Sharpe said it was the start of a “generational shift for the sport in Western Australia”.
“Kids who might never have considered rugby league before are now pulling on boots because they can see the Perth Bears on the horizon,” he said.
“Our job now is to build the systems, pathways and support around them so that the next generation of Bears players can come directly out of WA communities.
“This growth belongs to the work of NRL WA, clubs, sponsors, volunteers and families who have built the game here over many years and the Bears are determined to help take it to an entirely new level”.
Perth Bears Chief Executive Officer Anthony De Ceglie said the incredible growth was only the beginning.
“We truly believe we’re the most exciting story in Australian sport,” Mr De Ceglie said.
“It’s an absolute honour for everyone in our team to support the nation’s most-watched sporting code in Western Australia at a time when the NRL is flying under the leadership of Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
“One of our top priorities is to positively impact the growth and development of rugby league in WA; and we are inspired by the brilliant job already being done by NRL WA, the local clubs and the local volunteers to harness the enthusiasm behind the Perth Bears.”
Junior rugby league registrations skyrocket across Western Australia
Junior rugby league registrations across WA have skyrocketed as the Perth Bears prepare to join the NRL in 2027.
www.nrl.com
Junior rugby league registrations across WA have skyrocketed as the Perth Bears prepare to join the NRL in 2027.
New figures from NRL WA reveal that player registrations have risen a remarkable 23 per cent in the crucial 13-15 age bracket year-on-year for this season.
Overall the registrations for total juniors aged 6-18 are up 17 per cent. And total registrations, including adults, are up 9 per cent.
The increase in participation will see the NRL WA “Fuel to Go & Play” Premiership feature three new top grade teams this season.
The Kwinana Titans, Kalamunda Bulldogs and the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs will all field first grade sides in 2026 – making it a nine-team competition.
NRL WA General Manager John Sackson said the incredible impact that the launch of the Perth Bears has had on the development of rugby league in the State was clear.
“We were always confident that the introduction of a Perth NRL team would generate greater interest and engagement in our sport and would trigger significant growth in participation,” he said.
“The positive numbers are also a reflection of the great work being done by NRL WA and the local club community who have worked hard to improve recruitment and retention & to maximise the excitement around the Bears announcement.”
Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said it was a “great testament to the NRL and WA Government’s vision to commit to the Perth Bears”.
“It’s great to be part of the origins of the Perth Bears and its impact on Rugby League in WA,” he said.
“Statistically it’s great news but we also acknowledge all the selfless actions of NRL WA and the many community volunteers who have kept the fire burning over many years.
“I’m very aware it’s only the beginning but it’s an investment we will be prepared for.
“We will definitely walk alongside all our supporters in assisting it become a reality.
“The Perth Bears have to provide these young players a pathway to the NRL and it’ll be great to have our first WA-born player putting on the red-and-black jersey.”
Perth Bears General Manager of Football David Sharpe said it was the start of a “generational shift for the sport in Western Australia”.
“Kids who might never have considered rugby league before are now pulling on boots because they can see the Perth Bears on the horizon,” he said.
“Our job now is to build the systems, pathways and support around them so that the next generation of Bears players can come directly out of WA communities.
“This growth belongs to the work of NRL WA, clubs, sponsors, volunteers and families who have built the game here over many years and the Bears are determined to help take it to an entirely new level”.
Perth Bears Chief Executive Officer Anthony De Ceglie said the incredible growth was only the beginning.
“We truly believe we’re the most exciting story in Australian sport,” Mr De Ceglie said.
“It’s an absolute honour for everyone in our team to support the nation’s most-watched sporting code in Western Australia at a time when the NRL is flying under the leadership of Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
“One of our top priorities is to positively impact the growth and development of rugby league in WA; and we are inspired by the brilliant job already being done by NRL WA, the local clubs and the local volunteers to harness the enthusiasm behind the Perth Bears.”
DIEHARD
Custodian
Wow. So... Perth opened memberships yesterday. And it was a real cluster .... online. I'm talking every technical error you can imagine. Hours upon hours of waiting. Double charges. Missing confirmations.
Of course, Perth Bears have to spin it positively. But it was really brutal.
Of course, Perth Bears have to spin it positively. But it was really brutal.
DIEHARD
Custodian
GC Giant
First Grader
A long time ago now, but from memory, the Titans' first few years were good numbers for membership.
The challenge is years 3 onwards, especially if they are not competitive.
The challenge is years 3 onwards, especially if they are not competitive.
Perth is a sporting city where a club should succeed with enough Perth 'I love any sport' people combined with East Coast expats
The issue is they have appointed Mal to run their club and he is incompetent as we all know, they're unlikely to be decent until they get rid of him and with PNG competing with them on the transfer market they're going to struggle the first few years
Remember though the Phins missed all of their marquee signing attempts (Ponga, Munster, Tino etc) and still assembled a competitive squad in their first season of mid tier players, the issue is the Bears haven't done that and have basically just signed players no other club wants so far with a handful of exceptions
They've done this to themselves though between Mal and Ezra, I don't know how you can possibly look at their tenures at the Titans and think 'you know what that is the man I want to coach my club/build my roster'
They also shot themselves in the foot with the Bears thing instead of giving Perth their own identity, it shouldn't matter if the club is run right and experiences success but the handful of North Sydney Bears fans who will go to their away games are fairly meaningless
Perth Pirates or West Coast Wasps (or whatever other team names) with the WA orange and black jerseys or orange and whatever jerseys was right there and somehow they're a red and black team called the Bears with links to North Sydney for no reason
The issue is they have appointed Mal to run their club and he is incompetent as we all know, they're unlikely to be decent until they get rid of him and with PNG competing with them on the transfer market they're going to struggle the first few years
Remember though the Phins missed all of their marquee signing attempts (Ponga, Munster, Tino etc) and still assembled a competitive squad in their first season of mid tier players, the issue is the Bears haven't done that and have basically just signed players no other club wants so far with a handful of exceptions
They've done this to themselves though between Mal and Ezra, I don't know how you can possibly look at their tenures at the Titans and think 'you know what that is the man I want to coach my club/build my roster'
They also shot themselves in the foot with the Bears thing instead of giving Perth their own identity, it shouldn't matter if the club is run right and experiences success but the handful of North Sydney Bears fans who will go to their away games are fairly meaningless
Perth Pirates or West Coast Wasps (or whatever other team names) with the WA orange and black jerseys or orange and whatever jerseys was right there and somehow they're a red and black team called the Bears with links to North Sydney for no reason
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GC Giant
First Grader
There are many stages of Mal
Mal the player- superb
Mal the club coach- below average
Mal the Rep coach- excellent, a good leader of young men
Mal the footy administrator- dismal
It’s only really the fans, and people involved with the Titans who know Mal the administrator
Being called the Bear gives them a sprinkling of support on the east coast and some heritage.
I think that will help in a small way.
Mal the player- superb
Mal the club coach- below average
Mal the Rep coach- excellent, a good leader of young men
Mal the footy administrator- dismal
It’s only really the fans, and people involved with the Titans who know Mal the administrator
Being called the Bear gives them a sprinkling of support on the east coast and some heritage.
I think that will help in a small way.
Titanic
Immortal
You forgot Mal the malingering club cultural attache and please let’s not forget the snout in the trough “what has rugby league ever done for me” ironic for a bloke who now has half a century of living off the game … he evolved into a complete blood sucking tool.
DIEHARD
Custodian
MASON BARBER SIGNS WITH PERTH BEARS
perthbears.com.au
The Perth Bears have landed the prized signature of one of the most exciting prospects in rugby league with confirmation Mason Barber will join the club on a three-year deal to start in 2027.
The 20-year-old represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2024 and is a graduate of the prestigious Keebra Park State High School.
Hailing from the Northend region in New Zealand, Barber joins the Bears from the North Queensland Cowboys system where he has played 10 games for the Mackay Cutters this year for 36 tackle breaks, six try assists and is averaging 119m per game.
The fullback/centre possesses blistering speed, strength and the ball playing ability that Head Coach Mal Meninga believes will make an immediate impact for the Perth Bears next season and beyond.
“Mason is a sublimely talented player who has been on our radar for a long time now,” he said.
“He has the skill and character to make an impact for us right away while also becoming a cornerstone for the club for years to come.
“We have been deliberate in recruiting young players from good systems who we believe can become long-term first grade players.
“Mason fits that mould perfectly and I look forward to welcoming him and his family over to Western Australia.”
Barber will join fellow youngster Apa Twidle in the Bears system next year with more announcements expected over the coming weeks.
“The opportunity to continue my career in Western Australia with the Perth Bears was too good to refuse,” Barber said.
“I’m looking forward to continuing my development under Mal and his staff and believe the Bears can provide me with that opportunity.
“I believe in the club’s vision for the future and am excited to be a part of it.”
Perth Bears CEO Anthony DeCeglie said the club was building a squad that would have sustainable success for many years to come.
“Other NRL clubs were heavily interested in Mason and I am delighted he has decided to make the move to Perth to be a part of the Bears inaugural squad,” he said.
“Mal and his staff have been adamant about building a roster that can compete from day one while also helping shape the future of the Bears for years to come.
“I think Mason is the perfect fit to achieve Mal’s vision on the field while also helping the Bears continue to promote and develop the game in Western Australia. And we’re confident of more announcements coming soon.
“We have already seen record levels of interest in membership, sponsorship and media and I’m confident Mason’s signature will only add another level of hype for the Bears.”
MASON BARBER SIGNS WITH PERTH BEARS - Perth Bears
The Perth Bears have landed the prized signature of one of the most exciting prospects in rugby league with confirmation Mason Barber will join the club on a
perthbears.com.au
The Perth Bears have landed the prized signature of one of the most exciting prospects in rugby league with confirmation Mason Barber will join the club on a three-year deal to start in 2027.
The 20-year-old represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2024 and is a graduate of the prestigious Keebra Park State High School.
Hailing from the Northend region in New Zealand, Barber joins the Bears from the North Queensland Cowboys system where he has played 10 games for the Mackay Cutters this year for 36 tackle breaks, six try assists and is averaging 119m per game.
The fullback/centre possesses blistering speed, strength and the ball playing ability that Head Coach Mal Meninga believes will make an immediate impact for the Perth Bears next season and beyond.
“Mason is a sublimely talented player who has been on our radar for a long time now,” he said.
“He has the skill and character to make an impact for us right away while also becoming a cornerstone for the club for years to come.
“We have been deliberate in recruiting young players from good systems who we believe can become long-term first grade players.
“Mason fits that mould perfectly and I look forward to welcoming him and his family over to Western Australia.”
Barber will join fellow youngster Apa Twidle in the Bears system next year with more announcements expected over the coming weeks.
“The opportunity to continue my career in Western Australia with the Perth Bears was too good to refuse,” Barber said.
“I’m looking forward to continuing my development under Mal and his staff and believe the Bears can provide me with that opportunity.
“I believe in the club’s vision for the future and am excited to be a part of it.”
Perth Bears CEO Anthony DeCeglie said the club was building a squad that would have sustainable success for many years to come.
“Other NRL clubs were heavily interested in Mason and I am delighted he has decided to make the move to Perth to be a part of the Bears inaugural squad,” he said.
“Mal and his staff have been adamant about building a roster that can compete from day one while also helping shape the future of the Bears for years to come.
“I think Mason is the perfect fit to achieve Mal’s vision on the field while also helping the Bears continue to promote and develop the game in Western Australia. And we’re confident of more announcements coming soon.
“We have already seen record levels of interest in membership, sponsorship and media and I’m confident Mason’s signature will only add another level of hype for the Bears.”
DIEHARD
Custodian
NRL to grant Perth Bears $500k salary cap concessions in landmark third-party arrangement
Despite months of recruitment, the Perth Bears are yet to land an elusive marquee player. But they have now been given a fighting chance, with the help of landmark NRL salary cap exemptions.
The NRL is poised to belatedly grant the Perth Bears salary cap concessions of up to $500,000 in a bid to compete with rival expansion side the PNG Chiefs.
In a historic development for the NRL’s 18th club, this masthead has been told Perth will receive a special marquee player privilege where existing club sponsors can top-up a player’s contract by 20 per cent.
The cap concessions will come into effect when the Bears join the competition next year and be in play for the club’s first three seasons.
It means a $1 million marquee player could now earn $1.2 million, with the additional $200,000 being exempt from the NRL’s $12.1 million top-30 salary cap.
The proposed move will give the Perth Bears a fighting chance to sign a marquee player and compete with PNG’s tax-free cash on offer.
It is understood the proposed concessions include:
• No player receiving more than 20 per cent above his contract value;
• The Bears receiving overall salary cap concessions of up to $500,000;
• The amount of players eligible for the concessions is unlimited, provided the total stays beneath $500,000;
• The proposal is generally aimed at players who are offered $1 million a season; and
• The concessions will last over the club’s first three years.
Perth have been unable to secure a truly elite player so far.
Under NRL rules, current club sponsors are prevented from injecting money into a player’s contract.
A player can secure third-party agreements but that additional money must come from a company not formally aligned to the club.
That is set to change for Perth.
For example Perth’s major sponsor, Cash Converters, could throw big money at helping the club sign a top-line player.
The front-of-jersey deal for Cash Converters was just one of the commercial records the Perth Bears have secured since being announced.
The exemptions, once approved, would be available to the Bears for next season, the club’s first in the NRL. Final details are still being finalised.
There are no players left on the open market for 2027 who can command million-dollar salaries, with Cody Walker, Gehamat Shibasaki, Luciano Leilua, Kodi Nikorima, Sam Verrills and Te Maire Martin the highest-profile free agents.
However, some of the big name players coming off contract after the 2027 season — when PNG are due to enter the competition — include Cameron Munster, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, Latrell Mitchell, Sam Walker, Jake Preston, Tom Trbojevic, Hudson Young, James Tedesco, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo,
Rival clubs will be told about the Bears’ development but they do not have the power to veto the plan.
The Bears have previously sought some form of concessions, without success.
The ARL Commission is determined to ensure the Perth franchise is an immediate success with the club continuing to break commercial records with their sponsorship deals.
There had been a media push for the NRL to assist Perth in the club’s formative years.
The Bears have built a tradesman-like roster for next season but are yet to sign a truly big name, who could become the face of the Perth-based club.
Players Nick Meaney, Sean Russell, Siosifa Talakai, Tyran Wishart, Toby Sexton, Josh Curran, Liam Henry, Scott Sorensen, Harry Newman and Mavrik Geyer are among Perth’s first-season recruits.
The Bears announced this week that Wallaby legend David Campese would become a club specialist consultant with a charter to help unearth future talent throughout South Africa.
And Perth has broken the coveted 20,000 mark for foundation members - a number so impressive that the club was forced cut off further memberships because there simply won’t be enough seats at the their home ground, HBF Park.
It also announced that North Sydney Bears CEO Gareth Holmes would become Perth’s new general manager of football.
He replaces Meninga’s former right-hand man David Sharpe, who parted ways with the club in April amid claims that he was at odds with chief executive Anthony De Ceglie and other key staff members.
“I’ve seen first-hand over the past year the ambition, planning and care that’s gone into this, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the playing group, staff and the Western Australian rugby league community to help deliver something the whole Bears family can be proud of,” Holmes said.
Despite months of recruitment, the Perth Bears are yet to land an elusive marquee player. But they have now been given a fighting chance, with the help of landmark NRL salary cap exemptions.
The NRL is poised to belatedly grant the Perth Bears salary cap concessions of up to $500,000 in a bid to compete with rival expansion side the PNG Chiefs.
In a historic development for the NRL’s 18th club, this masthead has been told Perth will receive a special marquee player privilege where existing club sponsors can top-up a player’s contract by 20 per cent.
The cap concessions will come into effect when the Bears join the competition next year and be in play for the club’s first three seasons.
It means a $1 million marquee player could now earn $1.2 million, with the additional $200,000 being exempt from the NRL’s $12.1 million top-30 salary cap.
The proposed move will give the Perth Bears a fighting chance to sign a marquee player and compete with PNG’s tax-free cash on offer.
It is understood the proposed concessions include:
• No player receiving more than 20 per cent above his contract value;
• The Bears receiving overall salary cap concessions of up to $500,000;
• The amount of players eligible for the concessions is unlimited, provided the total stays beneath $500,000;
• The proposal is generally aimed at players who are offered $1 million a season; and
• The concessions will last over the club’s first three years.
Perth have been unable to secure a truly elite player so far.
Under NRL rules, current club sponsors are prevented from injecting money into a player’s contract.
A player can secure third-party agreements but that additional money must come from a company not formally aligned to the club.
That is set to change for Perth.
For example Perth’s major sponsor, Cash Converters, could throw big money at helping the club sign a top-line player.
The front-of-jersey deal for Cash Converters was just one of the commercial records the Perth Bears have secured since being announced.
The exemptions, once approved, would be available to the Bears for next season, the club’s first in the NRL. Final details are still being finalised.
There are no players left on the open market for 2027 who can command million-dollar salaries, with Cody Walker, Gehamat Shibasaki, Luciano Leilua, Kodi Nikorima, Sam Verrills and Te Maire Martin the highest-profile free agents.
However, some of the big name players coming off contract after the 2027 season — when PNG are due to enter the competition — include Cameron Munster, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, Latrell Mitchell, Sam Walker, Jake Preston, Tom Trbojevic, Hudson Young, James Tedesco, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo,
Rival clubs will be told about the Bears’ development but they do not have the power to veto the plan.
The Bears have previously sought some form of concessions, without success.
The ARL Commission is determined to ensure the Perth franchise is an immediate success with the club continuing to break commercial records with their sponsorship deals.
There had been a media push for the NRL to assist Perth in the club’s formative years.
The Bears have built a tradesman-like roster for next season but are yet to sign a truly big name, who could become the face of the Perth-based club.
Players Nick Meaney, Sean Russell, Siosifa Talakai, Tyran Wishart, Toby Sexton, Josh Curran, Liam Henry, Scott Sorensen, Harry Newman and Mavrik Geyer are among Perth’s first-season recruits.
The Bears announced this week that Wallaby legend David Campese would become a club specialist consultant with a charter to help unearth future talent throughout South Africa.
And Perth has broken the coveted 20,000 mark for foundation members - a number so impressive that the club was forced cut off further memberships because there simply won’t be enough seats at the their home ground, HBF Park.
It also announced that North Sydney Bears CEO Gareth Holmes would become Perth’s new general manager of football.
He replaces Meninga’s former right-hand man David Sharpe, who parted ways with the club in April amid claims that he was at odds with chief executive Anthony De Ceglie and other key staff members.
“I’ve seen first-hand over the past year the ambition, planning and care that’s gone into this, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the playing group, staff and the Western Australian rugby league community to help deliver something the whole Bears family can be proud of,” Holmes said.
Titanic
Immortal
So those players already signed aren’t eligible for that largesse?
DIEHARD
Custodian
Seems so. Yet more bumbling planning. Kind of punishing the believers there. Like discounting big match tickets after all the diehards swoop in and buy at full-price.
MaroonTitan
First Grader
DITCH VLANDYS!!!