The NRL has slapped expansion side Perth and coach Mal Meninga with fines totalling $40,000 for breaches of the league's anti-tampering rules.
The fines relate to media comments made by foundation coach Meninga about the Bears' hopes of signing Penrith star Nathan Cleary and Canterbury duo Matt Burton and Jacob Preston.
The NRL tightened its rules in the pre-season such that clubs risk fines over perceived public attempts to court players before the final year of their contract.
Cleary, Burton and Preston are unable to negotiate with rival outfits until November 1, given they are contracted with their current clubs through 2027.
But in comments to News Corp last month, Meninga said Perth would be "in the picture" for second-rower Preston beyond that, and that there had been "a heap of noise" around Burton.
