Perth Bears Open Contract Talks With Matt Burton
The Perth Bears are targeting the Bulldogs star to play as a five-eighth in the team's inaugural lineup.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should professional athletes prioritize maximizing their market value over staying with their long-term club?
The Perth Bears have initiated negotiations with Matt Burton as he prepares for free agency on 1 November 2026. The Canterbury Bulldogs have granted the star permission to test his market value.
Why it matters
The Perth Bears are looking to bolster their squad with marquee talent, utilising a specific salary cap allowance. Meanwhile, the club is scouting Burton specifically to fill the five-eighth position.
The Perth Bears currently hold a 20 per cent marquee salary cap allowance to facilitate high-profile recruitment. Matt Burton remains under contract with the Canterbury Bulldogs until the end of 2027.
The players
Matt Burton
He is a professional rugby league footballer who is currently contracted to the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Cody Walker
He is a veteran rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs who is currently negotiating an extension.
Perth Bears
This is an NRL club currently looking to build their roster through strategic free agency acquisitions.
Canterbury Bulldogs
This is an NRL club that holds the current contract for Matt Burton through the 2027 season.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
This is a prominent NRL club managing contract extension talks with veteran playmaker Cody Walker.
The details
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are also active in the market, offering Cody Walker a base salary of about $400,000 with a $75,000 premiership bonus. Walker is currently negotiating a contract extension that includes a second-year option in the club's favour.
Timeline
Matt Burton becomes a free agent on 1 November 2026.
Negotiations regarding Burton and Walker occurred in October 2026.
Matt Burton's current contract with Canterbury expires in 2027.
Cody Walker could play in 2028 if his second-year option is triggered.
Season Trajectory
The Perth Bears are utilising the NRL marquee salary cap allowance to reshape the competitive balance of the league. Their pursuit of established stars signals an aggressive entry strategy for the upcoming expansion seasons.
Cody Walker could reach a milestone of 300 total NRL games if he remains injury free through the 2028 season. If his second-year option is triggered, he would match the age of Paul Gallen, who is the oldest player in league history at age 38.
The takeaway
Players approaching free agency are currently navigating complex extension offers that include performance-based bonuses and club options. Supporters should monitor these negotiations as they will significantly shape the roster depth of top-tier clubs in 2027.
Further reading
For more on the latest roster developments, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Age.
Live Poll
Should professional athletes prioritize maximizing their market value over staying with their long-term club?
