New jumper revealed as NRL grants Perth Bears salary concessions

The NRL's newest team, the Perth Bears, unveiled their first jersey and received salary cap concessions on the same day they were granted entry into the competition for 2027. The jersey, featuring red hoops on a black background, honors the North Sydney Bears, who left the NRL in 1999 and now play in the NSW Cup competition. The jersey unveiling occurred at the WACA Ground, where it was broadcast live.

The concession allows the Bears to sign a marquee player with a 20% salary cap exemption if they pay the remainder from a sponsor. This means a player worth $1.5 million could be paid with an additional 20% from a sponsor without impacting the salary cap. Club CEO Anthony De Ceglie aims for the Bears to have 35,000 members by the start of the 2027 season.

NRL Commission Chair Peter Vandys announced the 20% salary cap dispensation for the Bears. Additionally, the club will have first rights to any under-contract player who leaves another team during 2027. Bears coach Mal Meninga expressed excitement about the roster and the club's progress, praising the NRL concessions. Veteran coach Craig Bellamy endorsed the Bears, noting two of his former players, Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart, have signed with the team.