'Not a charity': Gus, Bracey square off over Bears plan

Perth Bears board member and Nine presenter James Bracey found himself in the firing line once again on Monday, with Phil Gould now putting him under the microscope.

Just one week on from Paul Gallen's on-air stoush with Bracey, the topic was front and centre again on the latest episode of Nine's 100% Footy.

What started out as a jovial recount of the clash between the panellists that prompted discussions about the Bears need for assistance in signing marquee players, Gallen was ready to come out swinging - but this time, managed to drag Gould into the debate.

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It came after The Sydney Morning Herald reported Perth will receive some help from the NRL ahead of their inaugural 2027 season, which has already put rivals offside.

"I don't think you deserve any salary cap dispensation or any help," Gallen said.

"What happens to the rest of the competition? Gus, if they get salary cap dispensation, are you gonna be upset?"

Gould - who acted like he was asleep while Gallen and Bracey went at it - then sprung into action and took a swipe at Bracey's plea to league bosses for assistance.

"Absolutely, I'm voting against that. What do you need help for? It's not a charity mate, it's a competition," the Bulldogs general manager said.

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Bracey then explained what the Bears were seeking after he met with Peter V'landys and RLPA boss Clint Newton last week to make their case.

"Just to make it clear, when you're talking about salary cap dispensation, it's not about adding a couple million bucks to the salary cap," he said.

"Maybe get a bit of help with third parties, that would be nice."

Gould then chimed back in immediately and questioned whether that was allowed, given third-party agreements for players can't be directly organised by clubs.

"Clubs can't organise third parties. You shouldn't be talking to the NRL, you should be talking to Perth - but you're not allowed to do that," he said.

Bracey then tried to veer away from the topic with a cheeky dig at the Dogs boss.

"I'm just flying the flag for my team Gus, just like you - we've all got conflicts here, there and everywhere," he said. 

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The pressure on the Bears has been exacerbated by Jarome Luai's decision to sign with the PNG Chiefs for 2028, giving them a genuine marquee player already.

Chiefs boss and former journalist Michael Chammas flew over a handful of podcasters last week, as well as Nine sports reporter Zac Bailey, to get a glimpse into life in Port Moresby and affording them the chance to speak with government officials.

Bracey was asked by Gallen why the Bears haven't done a similar thing - but he had a more than valid answer, showing the differences between the new clubs.

"He's using [PNG] government money for that, we're owned by the NRL," Bracey said.

Allana Ferguson sat and watched the heated and at times, awkward, segment unfold and assured viewers it was a legitimate debate.

"I can't believe people are questioning whether this is genuine or not - this is as genuine as it gets," she said.