The Perth Bears have faced disciplinary action from the NRL due to comments made by coach Mal Meninga regarding their interest in signing Matt Burton and Jacob Preston from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
The remarks have raised concerns under a new anti-tampering rule that is set to take effect before the 2026 season. This rule is designed to prevent club officials and coaches from discussing contracted players at rival clubs in a way that might be construed as recruitment or inducement.
This regulation came about following remarks made by Phil Gould, the Bulldogs' general manager of football, regarding young talent Lachlan Galvin last year.
After Galvin ultimately signed with Canterbury, it sparked worries within the league that public commentary could sway player transfer decisions.
Recent reports from Code Sports indicated that both the Perth Bears and Meninga have been fined $20,000 for breaching the new guidelines.
The Bulldogs had allegedly filed a complaint with the NRL after speculation arose that the Bears were in contention to sign both players from Belmore.
As Burton and Preston are under contract until the end of the 2027 season, the rules dictate that any negotiations with rival clubs are prohibited until November 1 of this year, making Meninga's actions a clear violation.
His comments indicated a strong desire to acquire marquee signings despite the players being off-limits, although reports suggest that Meninga's fine has been suspended.
This incident prompted the NRL to enforce anti-tampering regulations strictly, as the league prepares for the Bears' entry as the 18th team.