NRL grants Perth Bears salary concessions as new jersey revealed

The Perth Bears, set to join the NRL in 2027, have revealed their inaugural playing jersey. The design, featuring red hoops on a black background, pays homage to the North Sydney Bears. The unveiling coincided with the announcement of significant salary cap concessions for the new team.

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They will be given a 20 per cent dispensation for any player above a million dollars [salary].

Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys stated that the Bears will receive a 20% dispensation for any player earning over $1 million. This means a portion of a high-value player's salary can be covered by a sponsor without counting against the team's salary cap, aiding their recruitment efforts.

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So that gives them the opportunity to get somebody because they've got a 20 per cent bonus for that player from the sponsor.

Additionally, the Bears will have priority rights to sign any contracted player wishing to leave their current club before the 2027 season. "There will be some good players that will come up and be given the opportunity to play in Perth," V'landys said.

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You may have a marquee player that's not happy in a particular club and the club and the player want to separate. That player can only go to Perth in the first instance.

Bears coach Mal Meninga expressed satisfaction with the club's progress, highlighting the quality of players already signed. "I'm really excited about the roster we've built," he stated, downplaying the immediate need for a marquee player. Veteran coach Craig Bellamy also shared his enthusiasm for the Bears' arrival, noting the team is in capable hands with Meninga at the helm.

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There will be some good players that will come up and be given the opportunity to play in Perth.