Jamie Humphreys has walked away from a three year deal with expansion side the Perth Bears, instead opting to head back to the open market to see what other club he could potentially sign with for 2027 and beyond.
It’s a bitter blow for Mal Meninga and the Bears, who have already been struggling to sign any star players before their inaugural season.
- DON’T MISS OUR NRL TIPS – Click Here To Download Our App On iPhone
- WIN CASH IN OUR NRL COMPS – Click Here To Download Our App On Android
Humphreys had been regarded as an astute pickup, especially because he could have either played with Toby Sexton in the halves, or at hooker as required. He had already toured the team’s facilities recently.
When it came time to put ink on paper, however, Humphreys said no.
The incredible move actually leaves him without an NRL club for 2027 — but he backs himself to find another landing place quite quickly.
It definitely won’t be at the Rabbitohs, with his current club telling him they don’t have the cash in the cap to give him what he wants. They’re instead saving that to re-sign Cody Walker for another season.
It also leaves Perth treading water, with their biggest name signings including Melbourne Storm duo Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart and Sexton, Mikolak Oledzki, and Harry Newman from the Super League. They are also chasing Jarome Luai for a one year deal, but that may be unlikely.
What makes it even more unlikely is the rest of the league rebelling against any cap allowances for the expansion team.
The ARLC has just proposed granting the newest franchise a spending concession, which would mean a club sponsor to pay a Perth recruit 20 per cent on top of their existing salary up to $200,000. Right now that is not allowed and would be considered salary cap rorting.
More NRL news
Big bucks: Perth plans to make Leota the NRL’s next $1M forward
‘Difficult to watch’: Strange calls for six agains in NRLW
Every single other team in the league has cried out against the suggestion.
“All the clubs understand the challenges the Bears face and are happy to consider proposals. We’ve been offering this support to the ARLC for nine months,” one club chief told the Sydney Morning Herald.
The same club boss said they’re happy to hear ideas: “We don’t think the marquee player proposal is right, but happy to consider other solutions.”
Are you reading on our app? Download now for the best Sporting Base experience.
