Updated August 7, 2026 — 5:19pm, first published 3:00pm
On the day the Perth Bears revealed their new jersey, the NRL has gifted the expansion club salary cap dispensation to ensure that it will soon be worn by a marquee player.
Head office granted the Bears two concessions on Friday to help them attract top talent to Western Australia. The first is a marquee player allowance that will allow an existing club sponsor to top up one player’s salary by 20 per cent, without the additional amount going onto the salary cap.
The other is a stipulation that the Bears be given first crack should a contracted player want to leave their club. For example, if a player from one club wants to be released from their deal, the only club they can join will be Perth. If the parties agree, the Bears will pick up the entirety of the contract. The club he is leaving will not be allowed to chip in any of the freight.
The second initiative was proposed by the 17 existing clubs and rubber-stamped by the Australian Rugby League Commission.
Perth powerbrokers, including coach Mal Meninga and chief executive officer Anthony De Ceglie, welcomed the concessions.
ARLC executive chair Peter V’landys believes the move will result in the Bears nabbing a marquee man.
Coach Mal Meninga and former North Sydney player Billy Moore unveil the Perth Bears’ inaugural NRL jersey at the WACA Ground on Friday. Getty Images “I’m sure they will, because it’s 20 per cent [more than what other clubs can spend,” V’landys said. “You’re getting a 20 per cent increase that’s not included in the salary cap … We’ve got approval from the RLPA [Rugby League Players’ Association], which I thank, and also the other c
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