Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Perth Bears open to signing Matt Burton before 2028
The Perth Bears want to sign Bulldogs star Matt Burton for their new NRL team in Western Australia.
They have offered him a three-year deal starting in 2028, when the Bears are set to join the competition.
Burton is contracted to Canterbury for another year, but the Bears say they would consider taking him earlier if the Bulldogs agree to release him.
The club’s special salary-cap allowance could help it offer him at least $1.2 million a season.
The Bears would give Burton the No.
6 role, where he could reunite with former Bulldogs halves partner Toby Sexton.
Burton is expected to weigh up his options soon, with the Bears hoping to hear his decision by the end of the week or early next week.
The Perth Bears are open to signing Bulldogs star Matt Burton before 2028 if Canterbury agrees to release him early.
The NRL newcomers have offered Burton a three-year deal beginning in 2028, with a reported salary of at least $1.2 million per season.
The Bears are using a 20 per cent marquee salary cap allowance to try to secure the signing.
Burton, who is contracted to Canterbury for another year, recently toured the Bears’ facilities with his family.
The Bears say they are focused on 2028 but would consider taking Burton immediately if several conditions are met.
- Who
- The Perth Bears and Canterbury Bulldogs are discussing the prospect of Matt Burton joining the Bears.
- What
- The Bears have offered Burton a three-year deal from 2028 and are open to signing him earlier if Canterbury releases him.
- When
- The proposed deal begins in 2028. A decision on Burton’s future was expected soon after November 12, 2026.
- Where
- The Bears are based in Perth, Western Australia; Burton toured their facilities.
- Why
- The Bears want to land their biggest recruit yet and would give Burton the No. 6 jersey.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Burton toured the Bears’ facilities with his family.
The Bears confirmed they were open to taking Burton immediately if Canterbury agreed to release him.
The Bears hoped to hear Burton’s decision.
- Proposed contract
- Three years beginning in 2028
- Reported minimum salary
- At least $1.2 million per season
- Marquee allowance
- 20 per cent salary cap allowance
- Current club
- Canterbury Bulldogs
- Possible Bears position
- No. 6
What people are saying
He’s a marquee player, so we would be looking to use that allowance
We would definitely be open to it and definitely interested