Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie has downplayed concerns regarding the PNG Chiefs, hinting at several signings that the club has "up their sleeve" as they work on finalizing their inaugural roster.
As both teams prepare to enter the NRL one year apart, comparisons between the Bears and the Chiefs have intensified, especially after the Chiefs made headlines with the recent signing of Jarome Luai.
In the battle for talent, the Bears face challenges, as PNG can offer tax-free salaries and essentially have "two cracks at the transfer window" before joining the league in 2028.
Although the Bears have assembled a competitive roster ahead of their 2027 debut, they have yet to secure a player of Luai's caliber.
Nonetheless, De Ceglie dismissed any discussions of perceived inequities.
"We can't let the external noise distract us from the external KPIs. I understand the comparisons but I keep reminding everyone that PNG aren't playing next year. We have 17 other teams to worry about next season," De Ceglie remarked on NRL360.