Catalans Dragons and a number of other Super League clubs could be set to ‘benefit’ from connections to the NRL expansion side Perth Bears.
The Bears will become the 18th NRL side when they join the competition ahead of the 2027 season with former Australian head coach Mal Meninga set to lead the side.
With the club set to begin their recruitment for their inaugural season, they’re considering an affiliation with Catalans Dragons whereby the French side would benefit in 2026 with players then moving onto the Bears for their 2027 campaign.
Players who are off-contract at the end of the year can be signed by Perth for 2027 but obviously, they cannot play them in 2026, given they won’t have a side.
However, according to reports from the AAP, Perth would be open to signing players for 2027 but having them spend the 2026 season with Catalans Dragons, or ‘potentially other Super League clubs’.
In effect, it would be a one-year deal in Super League with an agreement to join the Bears from 2027.
Super League clubs in line for possible ‘affiliation’ with Perth Bears for 2026
Whilst the reports state that Perth are only ‘courting’ with the idea at the moment, it could be a massive opportunity for Catalans and other sides as it would allow them to have access to NRL-quality players, even if it was just for one year.
Catalans are the named side with Perth viewing them as the best landing spot given the hub of Australian players who have had success and enjoyed their time in Perpignan, with the club’s professionalism also noted.
Of course, any deal would require both Perth and the Super League club to agree and it’s understandable that some Super League clubs, possibly even Catalans, would not want to take players on one-year deals.
Of the overseas players that Catalans have recruited so far, all have arrived on a two-year or longer deal.
For Perth, they view it as a way to increase international ties and it would allow them to effectively tie down players through 2026 and have the assurance that they would be signed up for 2027 as well.
The NRL expansion side have just inked a $1.2 million annual sleeve sponsorship deal, highlighting the immense money in the sport Down Under compared to in Super League.
Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our YouTube channel here.
Wiganexpat
September 28, 2025 at 1:38 am
“The NRL expansion side have just inked a $1.2 million annual sleeve sponsorship deal, highlighting the immense money in the sport Down Under compared to in Super League.”
And this is exactly why we need to partner up with the NRL and Peter Vlandys. PVL thinks globally about rugby league business, improving returns for the sport, sponsorship and broadcast rights, Superleague is too busy thinking about the M62 corridor.
We have to approach the NRL for help and sell them the whole blooming lot if we need to0.