New NRL anti-tampering rules have claimed their first victim.
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Mal Meninga and the Perth Bears have been sanctioned over comments relating to their desire to sign Bulldogs duo Matt Burton and Jacob Preston.
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CODE Sportsreported that the NRL finalised sanctions on Friday, with the Bears and Meninga fined $20,000 each – however Meninga’s fine has been suspended.
Bears coach Mal Meninga.Source: Supplied
It’s in relation to comments Meninga made to CODEearlier in the year, when the Bears coach name-dropped Preston and Burton during discussions around marquee signings for next season.
“There has also been a heap of noise around Matt Burton. Jacob Preston, he’s someone coming off contract after 2027, we’ll be in the picture. We will have enough money in our cap to maybe chase a Nathan (Cleary) or a Jake if they come onto the open market,” Meninga said.
“We are waiting in the wings and would love to be in the picture with an elite player, whoever that could be. No one is available right now but we have plans for the future, yes.
“I also have full faith that our 2027 roster will be competitive. We might develop one of our own players into a marquee player next season.”
Both Preston and Burton are currently unable to speak to rival clubs until November 1 this year.
Meninga has been given five days to respond to the breach notice.