NRL clubs have floated the prospect of reintroducing the player loan system to help the Perth Bears to field a competitive side in their inaugural season.

The Bears have yet to land a marquee signing ahead of their introduction in 2027. The PNG Chiefs, meanwhile, have secured several big names before they even get to their first free agency period, which begins on November 1.

They could soon have another star on their books for their maiden season in 2028 after Zac Lomax flew into Port Moresby with his family to tour the Chiefs’ facilities on Saturday.

The offer of tax-free wages is a huge lure to prospective players, with the Chiefs already signing Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson and Englishman Matt Lees. There are also offers on the table for cross-code stars Lomax and Joseph Manu.

The NRL told its clubs that there would be no salary-cap concessions or other incentives for the Bears to attract players to Western Australia. However, there was a belated proposal for Perth players to receive up to $500,000 via a marquee exemption, which allows current club sponsors to top up their contracts by 20 per cent.

However, the clubs believe they have come up with a better solution that could benefit the Bears and themselves. Sources not authorised to speak publicly because negotiations are ongoing said the clubs are pushing for a loan system, similar to the one employed when the game was affected by Covid-19, to be introduced.

Under the initiative, a player struggling to get first-grade game time at one club could be loaned to a team that wants to utilise him. It would allow a club to shift an under-utilised player, while freeing up salary cap space and a roster spot.

One of the best examples of it working in practice was Harry Grant was given a chance to play first grade at Wests Tigers after being stuck behind hookers Cameron Smith and Brandon Smith at Melbourne.

Grant used that opportunity to gain valuable experience and has subsequently become one of the best players in the game.

At the first teleconference chaired by Peter V’landys since he became the NRL’s executive chair, club bosses acknowledged the need for a competitive Perth team.

“The clubs are keen to help out, but it’s got to be done properly,” one club chief executive said. “The loan system is a good idea and works for everyone. A player who isn’t getting any footy can get some footy somewhere else and move for the right reasons. It’s hard to work out why that can’t happen all the time.”

Lomax has previously spent time in PNG while representing the Prime Ministers’ XIII, and returned to the Pacific nation as part of a whirlwind tour with his partner. If she is comfortable with the living arrangements, the former NSW and Australian three-quarter is expected to switch back to league after his Western Force commitments. There’s a chance the former Eels and Dragons star could also have a short-term stint at another NRL club in 2027.

Another star open to exploring the possibility of joining the Chiefs is Cameron Munster. The Storm playmaker is contracted to Melbourne next year, but has been granted early permission to speak to PNG officials. Speaking after Friday’s loss to Souths, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy didn’t begrudge Munster exploring the opportunity.

“I think ‘Mun’ has done a whole heap for our club, and he’s done it for a long period of time,” Bellamy said.

“He’s been a wonderful player for our club, so if he sees that he wants to go to the team in Papua New Guinea then I’d be happy to let him go … I’ll go on the record as saying that if he wants to go and his family wants to go, then he goes with my blessing.”