- Joined
- Mar 24, 2019
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- 19,187
100
BRODIE CROFT
Broncos
$423,000
Another questionable recruitment decision from Brisbane when they signed the former Melbourne halfback to a three-year deal in 2020, in an attempt to fix their own problems in the No.7 jersey. At 23, Croft has time on his side, but is yet to consistently prove he can run a team around the park. Although signed on until the end of next season, the addition of Adam Reynolds and Kotoni Staggs’ shift to five-eighth will further limit his opportunities.
99
JOSH MANSOUR
Rabbitohs
$432,000
Told he was surplus to requirements at the foot of the mountains – with a year still remaining on his Penrith contract - Mansour made way for Charlie Staines but landed on his feet at South Sydney with a two-year deal. With the Panthers still paying part of his salary this season, the Rabbitohs got themselves a bargain by securing the veteran winger.
98
DYLAN WALKER
Sea Eagles
$465,000
Salary increased from $450,000 on his back-ended deal since he was enticed to Manly by the late rugby league immortal, Bob Fulton. Off contract now and his value has been affected by a number of off-field issues. Started at the Rabbitohs in 2013 but is still only 26 and is looking to sign a long-term deal. A favourite of veteran coach Des Hasler who has stood by him over a tumultuous few years.
97
KODI NIKORIMA
Warriors
$470,000
The 27-year-old recently took up an option to extend his Warriors deal until the end of 2022, but has been noncommittal about his long-term future there. Rumours persist that he wants to remain in Australia, as his partner recently returned to Brisbane ahead of the birth of their second child. The Warriors’ signing of Shaun Johnson suggests Nikorima’s future lies elsewhere.
96
RYAN MATTERSON
Eels
$470,000
The talented edge forward activated the 2022 player option in his contract in May, in a boost for the club. Matterson has had a mixed 2021, having spent time on the sidelines after suffering another concerning head knock. But he’s since been able to string an impressive series of games together. The Eels’ back-row stocks are plentiful but Matterson leads the way.
95
APISAI KOROISAU
Panthers
$470,000
Stymied by injury so far this season, but undeniably key to the Panthers’ premiership campaign. Despite not being used by NSW coach Brad Fittler in Origin I and II, Koroisau’s inclusion in the Blues’ extended squad indicates the level of regard he’s held among the best hookers in the game. He is off-contract next year, which will make for an important 2022.
94
COEN HESS
Cowboys
$470,000
Hess is reaching the crossroads at the Cowboys. His first full season in 2017 was sublime, with Hess scoring 13 tries from 27 games to surge into the Queensland Origin side. But over the past two years Hess has lost his way, with the well-built forward axed twice by the Maroons in the past two years. Off-contract next year, Hess is turning 25 and needs to make the leap from under-20s superstar to NRL leader. His form this season under new Cowboys coach Todd Payten has improved.
93
BLAKE FERGUSON
Eels
$470,000
The veteran winger has spent part of his final season at the Eels languishing in reserve grade as he tries to secure a contract elsewhere for 2022 and beyond. It was a worrying demotion for a player considered in NSW Origin calculations. The final months of his three-year deal will be crucial for both the 31-year-old’s future and Parramatta’s finals prospects.
92
JARROD CROKER
Raiders
$470,000
Locked in at the Raiders until 2024, the 30-year-old Canberra captain’s contract is becoming increasingly concerning for the Raiders. Impacted heavily by injury in 2021, Croker is on the comeback trail from major shoulder surgery and a knee issue which given the rapid-fire rule changes raises questions over his durability to keep up with the speed of the game. A much-loved and respected figure, Croker’s asset as a sharpshooter is also a contributing factor to his current salary.
91
CHRISTIAN WELCH
Storm
$480,000
The Queensland Origin prop could be higher up this list if he had agreed to join the Dragons on a three-year deal worth more than $1 million a season. But Welch decided to stay at Melbourne, where his salary increased $30,000 in 2021. It was a significant coup for the Storm to retain Welch, who is now a regular Origin representative and entering the prime of his footballing career.
90
VICTOR RADLEY
Roosters
$500,000
Under contract until the end of 2023 and one of the rare eastern suburbs local juniors who would be unlikely to even consider playing for any rival club across the NRL competition. Only injuries and suspensions have cost the punishing 23-year-old middle forward more opportunities in rep football for both NSW and Australia.
89
DAVID FUSITU’A
Warriors
$510,000
The Warriors’ longest-serving player, who is in the third season of a five-year deal, has only featured in five games in 2021 due to a hamstring injury. However, speculation has been rife surrounding his future after he returned home to New Zealand midway through last season’s Covid-affected season due to for family reasons. It’s forced coach Nathan Brown to declare: “There’s areas people shouldn’t talk about, I would’ve thought, if you’ve got your moral compass pointed in the right direction.”
88
TINO FA’ASUAMALEAUI
Titans
$512,000
Fa’asuamaleaui’s salary has skyrocketed following his big-money off-season move from the Storm to the Titans. Big Tino was on a basic contract as a rookie as the Storm but his remarkable 2020 campaign, in which he won the premiership and played State of Origin, has justified the Titans’ investment. Fa’asuamaleaui also has an NRL-approved car as part of his package, which will climb to more than $700,000 next season
87
COREY OATES
Broncos
$517,000
The former Queensland Origin winger is under mounting pressure to lift his game. Oates was dropped to the Intrust Super Cup for round one and was again axed after Brisbane’s 50-6 Magic Round loss to Manly. There is talk of a personality clash with Oates and Broncos coach Kevin Walters, who is frustrated with the winger’s lack of consistency. Oates is off-contract next year, but he will be leaving the Broncos sooner if he doesn’t see regular game time.
86
PAYNE HAAS
Broncos
$517,000
Haas is the Broncos’ version of Scottie Pippen. Pippen was the Chicago Bulls basketball legend who was woefully underpaid as he played second fiddle to Michael Jordan in the 1990s and Haas is similarly undervalued at the Broncos. Haas is Brisbane’s best forward by a mile and has been their most consistent player for the past two years. The NSW Origin prop should be on more than $800,000 a season.
85
WAQA BLAKE
Eels
$517,000
A calf injury stalled Blake’s 2021 campaign and since his return, he has faced criticism over his defence. A switch from right to left centre has helped his confidence, but he will need to continue to prove his form as the Eels have a number of young outside backs pushing for selection. On good money and contracted until the end of 2023, the Eels will want Blake to prove value for money.
84
CHAD TOWNSEND
Sharks
$520,000
Began the 2021 season with a contract at the Sharks that runs through until the end of 2023. However, an option in Townsend’s favour allowed him to exit that deal and sign a massive three-year contract with the Cowboys from 2022. In the interim, Townsend, 30, asked for a release from the Sharks in June to join the Warriors for the remainder of the 2021 season. The release of Townsend has gifted Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon $250,000 to spend elsewhere.
83
DAVID NOFOALUMA
Tigers
$525,000
Perfectly timed the best season of his career, as it coincided with being able to negotiate with rival clubs last year. His contract expired at the end of this season but was given an upgrade and four more years added on at the end of last year, keeping him at this junior club until at least the end of 2025. Had explored his options before inking the deal.
82
DYLAN BROWN
Eels
$540,000
Only just 21, Kiwi-born Brown’s salary increase indicates the Eels’ faith in the five-eighth’s ability and his position as a key member of the club’s premiership push. He has another year on his current deal and an option in his favour for 2023, but Parramatta is already making plans for him to remain in the No.6 jersey long-term.
81
CAMERON MCINNES
Dragons
$550,000
The forgotten man of the St George Illawarra outfit. The former skipper tore his ACL in the pre-season and has played his final game for the club. Agreed to join the Sharks just before his knee injury, after St George Illawarra delayed making a decision on keeping him. Will be on about the same money at the Sharks next season.
80
JOEY LEILUA
Tigers
$550,000
Another Tigers recruitment blunder. Leilua has struggled since joining the Tigers on a two year deal from Canberra last season. The Tigers have opted against taking up the option they had in their favour to keep Leilua at the club next year. His market value has plummeted too. His brother Luciano will replace him on this list in no time.
79
TYRONE PEACHEY
Titans
$564,000
Peachey’s ranking as one of the Titans’ top-five earners is set to plummet. When he signed in 2019, Peachey was trumpeted as one of Gold Coast’s marquee signings but he has never really delivered bang for his buck. Off-contract at season’s end, Peachey has been more consistent this year but if he does stay at Parkwood, the former NSW Origin utility will be facing a pay cut.
78
DALE FINUCANE
Storm
$580,000
The rugged forward is in the middle of his final season with the Storm, given salary cap constraints will squeeze him out of the club for 2022. He will be 30 by season’s end but the Bega product is still highly thought of heading forward. He has all the professionalism and commitment you’d expect of a Storm player, and his on-field performances more than justify his $30,000 salary increase this season.
77
NATHAN BROWN
Eels
$580,000
Brown signed on for another two years in May, following messy contract negotiations where the Eels pulled their initial offer after the no-nonsense lock missed a March deadline to recommit. He looked set to sign with Manly but the Sea Eagles pulled their offer in April, forcing him back into talks with Parramatta. In between all that, the Dragons flatly denied reports they were in the mix for his signature. This year, Brown received a significant increase on his 2020 salary of $450,000.
76
ELLIOTT WHITEHEAD
Raiders
$582,000
Without doubt worth every cent of his contract. Prior to this season, the English forward had missed just two games in five seasons. He has missed one game this year, due to a gruesome finger injury. One of the great Raiders success stories, Canberra’s ‘Iron Man’ is off-contract next year, but doesn’t want to go anywhere else.
75
AARON WOODS
Sharks
$600,000
In the final year of his contract at Cronulla, the former Test forward is on the hunt for a new club in 2022. Woods would understand that in the back-end of his career, he will need to take a pay cut from his current contract. Averaging over 100-metres per-game when running with the footy, Woods would prove a shrewd-buy given his 220-plus games worth of experience and leadership value.
74
ANDREW MCCULLOUGH
Dragons
$600,000
The Dragons grabbed another bargain as part of Brisbane’s fire sale. McCullough arrived in time for round one and at the midway point of the competition led the NRL for most tackles. Brisbane is paying about $200,000 of McCullough’s contract. His form was rewarded with a return to the Origin arena for the first time since 2018. Joined the Dragons for three years.
73
JOSH JACKSON
Bulldogs
$600,000
In the first season of a new three year deal after inking a contract extension before a ball was kicked last season. At 30 it could be his last contract but the Bulldogs get every cent worth out of their skipper on and off the field. Has reinvented himself under new coach Trent Barrett playing in the No.13 jersey and being a link man.
72
NICK COTRIC
Bulldogs
$600,000
The Bulldogs blew Canberra out of the water when they pursued Cotric last year. The Raiders couldn’t and wouldn’t compete with the three year deal the Bulldogs offered the 22-year-old who had already represented NSW and Australia. Was signed to play centre but an indifferent start to the season meant that lasted just four matches before he was switched back to the wing.
71
JUNIOR PAULO
Eels
$610,000
‘Junz’ rejoined the blue and golds on a four-year deal in 2019 after a stint in Canberra, and has gone on to become the first Parramatta junior to play Origin - while representing the Eels- since Tim Mannah in 2010. The barnstorming front-rower has emerged as the club’s forward leader and debunked the myth that the new six-again rules would make the big men obsolete.
70
JARROD WALLACE
Titans
$611,000
Wallace is maligned at times but the former Broncos prop has become a State of Origin player at the Titans. Now in his fifth season at the club, Wallace is on the brink of 100 games for the Titans and while he hasn’t dominated at Origin level, he is a consistent yardage gainer in the NRL. Wallace is off-contract at the end of next year and has done enough to warrant an extension.
69
JOSEPH TAPINE
Raiders
$611,000
Once regarded as a future star of the game, the capable back-rower hasn’t lived up to that hype. He has a tendency to drift in and out of games. A recent knee injury has impacted his 2021 season, but like the rest of the Raiders, he needs a strong back half of the season to prove his worth. The Raiders want to see more from their investment who still has two seasons after this year to go on his contract in Canberra.
68
ADAM DOUEIHI
Tigers
$625,000
One of the Tigers’ best signings in recent seasons. They just need to settle on a spot for the Lebanese international. He has been switched between fullback, centre and five-eighth. Wants to wear the no.6 jersey but has done a good job out wide after being moved in round 10. Doueihi’s deal increases each season and does not expire until the end of 2023.
67
VILIAME KIKAU
Panthers
$635,000
Pinched from the Cowboys’ lower grades by Penrith’s contract offer of $85,000 in 2015. Kikau has since developed into one of the most devastating edge forwards in the game. Pivotal to the Panthers fortunes this year - what will dominate headlines is whether the 24-year-old stays at the foot of the mountains beyond the final year of his contract in 2022.
66
FELISE KAUFUSI
Storm
$640,000
Kaufusi refused to be rushed into making a decision on his future last year, before he eventually took up the player option in his contract to remain at the Storm for this season. He has the same clause for 2022 but, as yet, hasn’t indicated whether he will activate it. One of the best back-rowers in the NRL, there will be undoubted interest for the Queensland Origin star but whether clubs can convince him to leave Melbourne is another matter.
65
CODY WALKER
Rabbitohs
$650,000
A late bloomer who is now cashing in on his good form in recent seasons. Brisbane chased him hard the last time he was off-contract before Walker added two years to his contract. Has become one of the game’s best, most damaging halves. With Adam Reynolds leaving, he has been earmarked as a priority signing when his current deal ends at the end of next year. Expect talks to commence before the end of the season.
64
TARIQ SIMS
Dragons
$650,000
Midway through a three year deal. Like a lot of his teammates, struggled with form and injury woes last year. However, he has bounced back big time this year, which earned him an Origin recall. At 31, his body has taken a battering throughout his career so it will be interesting to see what happens. Has been earmarked for a potential shift from the edge into the middle.
63
JOE OFAHENGAUE
Tigers
$650,000
The Tigers get a rare win when it comes to the salary cap with the Broncos chipping in a fair chunk of Ofahengaue’s deal this season. The Maroons representative is in the first year of a three year deal at the Tigers after the Broncos released him from the final two years of his contract. He received an upgrade to join the Tigers.
62
DYLAN NAPA
Bulldogs
$650,000
The Bulldogs are counting down the months until Napa is officially off-contract. Is in the final year of a rich three year contract he signed fresh off premiership success at the Roosters. He has not lived up to his pay cheque which ranks him as one of the highest-paid props in the game. Was earmarked to replace David Klemmer. Has struggled with ongoing knee injuries.
61
CAMERON MURRAY
Rabbitohs
$650,000
A player you can build your club around. Already earmarked as a future skipper and that could happen as early next year given Adam Reynolds is leaving. Was already signed this season but added four more years to his deal last year. No other Rabbitoh is committed to 2025 at this stage. His salary will increase each season as he heads towards his prime.
60
ZAC LOMAX
Dragons
$650,000
A surprise inclusion given where some representative players sit on the list. There is no doubt the Dragons are paying for a bit of potential here too in the 21-year-old who has played just 45 games. He is in the first year of a deal which will keep him at the club until 2026 after taking up his option already.
59
SIO SIUA TAUKEIAHO
Roosters
$655,000
Probably not quite as highly regarded as two years ago when he was rated the No.1 front-rower in the game by leading the Roosters to a 2019 grand final triumph. Now overtaken by the likes James Fisher-Harris at the Panthers. Comes off contract at the end of next season and will be facing a pay reduction to ease salary cap pressure at the club.
58
JOSH PAPALII
Raiders
$658,000
The enforcer of the Raiders’ pack was contracted until 2022, but in September last year, Papalii, 28, agreed to an extension until the end of 2024 with a further option for 2025. It was a smart move by the Raiders to take one of the best prop-forwards in the NRL off the market. It also means he is likely to retire in green.
57
JORDAN McLEAN
Cowboys
$658,000
The former Kangaroos prop has never quite set the Cowboys alight since his arrival in 2018. His base deal of $700,000 is probably overs for McLean, who has battled injuries at the Cowboys and has struggled to step-up as the successor to front-row warhorse Matt Scott. McLean has played more than 60 games for the Cowboys, so it would be unfair to call him injury prone, but he needs to find more consistency to justify his wage. He is off-contract next year.
56
JESSE BROMWICH
Storm
$660,000
At 32, Bromwich is now the captain and elder statesman of a Storm team out to defend its 2020 premiership. Signed on until the end of next year, it will be interesting to see whether he looks to extend his NRL career into a 14th season. Regardless, barring injury, Bromwich will play his 300th game sometime next season, all with Melbourne.
55
NELSON ASOFA-SOLOMONA
Storm
$675,000
NAS isn’t even halfway through his four-year deal with the Storm, but is showing his value, even with his contract jumping up significantly from $550,000 last season. Whether it’s starting at prop, lock or coming on as an impact player from the interchange bench, the 200cm, 115kg giant has been in sparkling form for Melbourne. The Storm pulled the right rein in locking in Asofa-Solomona into a long-term deal.
54
MARTIN TAUPAU
Sea Eagles
$680,000
On a back-ended contract and was supposed to get a small pay rise this year, but lost $19,000 owing to the six per cent pay cuts across the game. Off contract at the end of next season but Manly is prepared to release him earlier to free up some salary cap space. Taupau is now 31 and playing his 12th season of NRL after starting out at the Canterbury Bulldogs back in 2010.
53
TEVITA PANGAI JNR
Broncos
$682,000
Another big salary earner at the Broncos who has been told he is free to move on immediately. Pangai Jnr has been linked with the Wests Tigers but any potential move will hinge on how much Brisbane are prepared to pay for the transfer to happen. Pangai Jnr is off-contract next year and while he can be damaging on his day, he can also have brain explosions. He has been suspended five times in the past two years and the Broncos have had enough of his erratic displays.
52
JARED WAEREA-HARGREAVES
Roosters
$700,000
Was supposed to get a minor pay rise but lost it with the Covid contract cuts. Still one of the most dominant front-row forwards in the competition and has done a magnificent job to play longer minutes in the absence of injured Lindsay Collins. Is 32 now and is under contract until the end of 2023 which will probably lead him into retirement.
51
JOSH MCGUIRE
Dragons
$700,000
The Dragons love another club paying a large chunk of a players’ contract and they have been able to again to secure that when McGuire arrived this season. The Cowboys cut McGuire loose with 18 months remaining on his contract. The Dragons happily picked up the ex-Kangaroos player with North Queensland chipping in about half of his contract for this year and a decent amount next year.
