Perth Bears could turn a million-dollar pitch to Matt Burton into a $1.2 million annual payday under an NRL marquee-player exemption that takes effect next week, while Canterbury's door remains open -- if he is willing to play centre.
An NRL directive circulated to clubs on Tuesday night and seen by ESPN outlines the financial advantage available to the Bears as they pursue Burton to become their marquee five-eighth.
But it is understood that Perth is yet to table a formal offer, with Burton still facing a significant choice over both his position and his future.
ESPN understands the Bulldogs remain open to retaining him in the centres. Across the country, Mal Meninga sees him in the No.6 jersey alongside former Canterbury teammate Toby Sexton.
The Bears have reportedly been preparing a deal worth around $1 million a season. Under the exemption, a playing fee of that value could be supplemented by another $200,000 through a club sponsor without the additional payment counting towards Perth's salary cap.
That would take Burton's combined annual earnings to $1.2 million, giving the Bears greater financial firepower in their pursuit of the Bulldogs star.
The arrangement takes effect on Nov. 9, although any top-up would require a sponsor commitment and salary cap auditor approval. It is not yet a confirmed part of a Burton offer.
There is also a financial incentive attached to the timing of any move.
The exemption covers only the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons, meaning a player joining Perth for its inaugural campaign could benefit for an additional year compared with one arriving in 2028.
On a $1 million annual playing fee, Burton could receive up to $600,000 in additional sponsor payments across three seasons if he joined in 2027 and the maximum top-up was approved each year.
A 2028 arrival would leave two eligible seasons and up to $400,000 on the same terms.
Perth's reported proposal is for four years from 2028, with the possibility of an additional season should Burton secure an early release to join the Bears next year.
Burton remains contracted to Canterbury until the end of 2027, giving the Bulldogs a say in whether any move can happen in time for Perth's first season.
Their willingness to retain him also means a departure is not his only option, although staying would require him to embrace a future in the centres.
Meninga has made clear where he sees Burton fitting into his side, publicly backing a reunion with Sexton in the halves.
"That's why he would be valuable to us, as a five-eighth," Meninga told The Sydney Morning Herald.
While the broad marquee concession was announced in August, the Nov. 3 directive formally brings it into effect and sets out the restrictions on Perth's use of the allowance.
Approved by the ARLC and RLPA, it allows the Bears to arrange additional remuneration through a new or existing club sponsor worth up to 20 percent of an eligible player's playing fee.
To qualify, a player must hold a Top 30 contract, earn a playing fee of at least $1 million in the relevant season and rank among Perth's two highest-paid players when signing.
Only one player can receive the exemption each season, although Perth can change its nominated player between years. Any club-facilitated payment above the 20% allowance would count towards the salary cap.
The concession also expires after 2029, rather than automatically extending for the duration of a marquee signing's contract.
For Burton, that gives a potential early move west an added financial attraction. But with Canterbury still offering a pathway to stay, the jersey he wants to wear could prove just as important as the money attached to it.