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NRL
NRL Rich 100: Top salaries for the highest paid players in 2020
For the first time the full list of the highest paid players in the NRL can be revealed. There is no shortage of shocks in Part 1 of the NRL Rich 100 where we profile the players ranked from 100 to 51.
Josh Addo-Carr
Club: Storm
SALARY: $480,000
A reject from the Cronulla Sharks and the Wests Tigers before finding a home at Melbourne Storm as one of their lowest paid players. Became an established match-winner and Origin star to earn a more lucrative deal. In his last season at Melbourne Storm after being granted a release from the final year of his contract to return to Sydney to be with his family. Has the potential to earn towards $600,000 on his next deal.
Aidan Guerra
Club: Knights
SALARY: $500,000
Crucial to the Knights re-build, Guerra's signing from the Roosters in 2018 while far from headline-grabbing is regarded within Newcastle's inner-sanctum as pivotal to their current success and beyond. His 200-games worth of NRL experience and guidance has been instrumental for the younger Knights forwards. Will most likely depart at the end of this year, but not without leaving an imprint.
Blake Ferguson
Club: Eels
SALARY: $500,000
Took a $200,000 pay rise to leave the Sydney Roosters and a premiership winning team to set up his career in a three-year deal worth $1.6 million at Parramatta which expires at the end of 2021. Also had interest from the Cronulla Sharks and the Canterbury Bulldogs but their offers were worth around $400,000 less over the three years.
Michael Jennings
Club: Eels
SALARY: $500,000
On huge money (around $800,000) when he joined from the Roosters but has gradually come down. The 32-year-old centre, who is still playing some of the best football of his career, is under contract until the end of next season. If he stays injury free will play his 300th NRL game during the finals. He has scored 154 career tries.
Kodi Nikorima
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $500,000
Signed with the Warriors while still at the Broncos at the end of 2018 but didn't fit into new coach Anthony Seibold'۪s plans in Brisbane and was released from his contract five months early. The Warriors were accused of paying too much but chief executive Cameron George said: "For those that know [recruitment manager] Peter O'Sullivan, he knows the market extremely well and refuses to pay overs, I can assure you of that."
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Kevin Proctor
Club: Titans
SALARY: $500,000
The Titans felt they had scored a coup when Proctor announced he was quitting the Melbourne Storm after the 2016 grand final to return to family on the Gold Coast. The Titans tabled a four-year, $2 million deal and it seemed like good value. But the back-rower has never really justified his price tag at the Titans as a Kiwi Test star and premi
Tyrone Peachey
Club: Titans
SALARY: $500,000
Another big-name signing whose form has gone south. Peachey became a NSW Origin player at Penrith, so the Titans had every reason to be pleased when they snapped him up on a $1.5 million, three-year deal. But Peachey's stint has been plagued by claims he is homesick on the Gold Coast and his form has never matched his brilliant utility value at the Panthers. Needs to lift dramatically. Premiership-winner. Currently off-contract and needs more punch in attack.
Apisai Koroisau
Club: Panthers
SALARY: $500,000
In the eyes of many, Koroisau is the 2020 buy-of-the-season. Back at Penrith after stints at Souths - where he won the premiership - and Manly, the outstanding dummy-half chose to return to Penrith over Canterbury because of his close relationship with assistant coach Trent Barrett. Such has been his dominance this year, he's been worth every cent of his current contract.
Joe Ofahengaue
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $500,000
The Warriors and a few Sydney clubs were sniffing around last year while Ofahengaue was off-contract, but he utlimately signed with the Broncos. His salary was helped by his purple patch of form that won him a Queensland Origin debut last season. But since signing the new deal, Ofahengaue has been suspended twice and his form has gone south.
Ryan Matterson
Club: Eels
SALARY: $500,000
Wasn't happy with the $350,000 he was on at the Wests Tigers last year and didn't enjoy playing under Michael Maguire. Packed his bags and walked out with two years remaining on his contract to get a $150,000 pay rise from the Eels that is backdated with increases over the next three years. Likely to become an Origin regular and earn another $90,000 in rep payments.
Victor Radley
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $500,000
A powerhouse 23-year-old who emerged from Clovelly Crocodiles in Easts juniors in 2016 on the minimum NRL wage of under $100,000 while working as a tradie to supplement his income. Has since been tied down until the end of 2023 on an extended four-year contract that will allow him to earn around $700,000 at the backend of the deal
Dylan Brown
Club: Eels
SALARY: $520,000
The centre of an NRL bidding war last year with the New Zealand Warriors offering him a three-deal that could have earnt him far more money to become the richest teenager in the competition. He stayed at the Paramatta Eels for $500,000 this year but will get good upgrades to eventually finish on around $750,000-a-season in the final year
Chad Townsend
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $520,000
Shown a huge amount of faith by Sharks coach John Morris in extending the 28-year-old until 2023, which resulted in local junior Kyle Flanagan leaving to chase his career at the Roosters. The orchestrater of the entire side with his organisation and kicking game, Townsend's value, right now, is justifiable as a premiership-winning halfback. of his contract.
David Fusitu'a
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $540,000
A try-scoring machine who signed a five-year contract with the New Zealand Warriors in 2018 to become the highest paid specialist winger in the competition at the time. Scored 24 tries in 2017 and 23 tries in 2018 to establish himself as the most dangerous finisher in the game which attracted interest from rival clubs across the code.
Maika Sivo
Club: Eels
SALARY: $550,000
On $75,000 when he first arrived in 2019 via country football and Penrith's lower grades. Upgraded until the end of next season when he emerged as the game's most dynamic finisher with an extraordinary 25 tries in his debut season to become the club'۪s pin-up player with the fans. Still only 26 and is likely to become the centre of a bidding war when he can talk to rival clubs in November.
Coen Hess
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $550,000
Hess' value soared quickly in Townsville. He rocketed into the Queensland Origin side aged just 20 in 2017 and within 12 months, he was basking in a rich three-year contract extension. But since his lucrative pay day, Hess' form has gone south. He has lost his Maroons jumper and is struggling to recapture the tackle-busting dominance he displayed on the fringes running off former playmaking champion Johnathan Thurston.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Club: Storm
SALARY: $550,000
Locked in at Melbourne Storm until the end of the 2023 season. Signed for five years at the beginning of the 2018 season as he was emerging as one of the most explosive forwards in the competition. Had eight clubs chasing his services but chose to stay with Craig Bellamy at a club where so many youngsters improve as footballers
Waqa Blake
Club: Eels
SALARY: $550,000
Another case of Penrith paying half of his contract until the end of 2023 when his earnings will be up around the $800,000-a-year mark. Exactly the same situation as Reagan Campbell-Gillard ... Phil Gould signed him long term, then left the club and Cleary offered him to the Eels. He is managed by Clint Gutherson's agent Sam Ayoub, who was behind the transfer.
Joseph Tapine
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $550,000
Once regarded as a future star of the game, the capable backrower hasn't lived up to that hype and some would argue there's plenty of other quality backrowers in front of him. On contract at the Raiders until 2023, the next two seasons will bring Canberra's decision to invest in Tapine long-term under the spotlight if he fails to take his ga
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Club: Bulldogs
SALARY: $550,000
With an ambition to play fullback - and enjoy the financial fruits that come with the position as opposed to wing - DWZ moved to Canterbury from Penrith on the promise of the no.1 jumper in June 2019. The former New Zealand captain also had interest from the Eels, Wests Tigers and Cowboys, which enabled him to drive up his asking price. But with only two tries in 20 matches and the increasing thought his best position is indeed on the wing, this could quickly develop into a poor purchase by the Dogs. me to another level.
Nathan Peats
Club: Titans
SALARY: $550,000
Salary-cap issues at Parramatta forced Peats to find a new home and he hit the ground running at the Titans in 2016. Within 12 months, he made his Origin debut for NSW and that earned him the best pay day of his injury-plagued career. Unfortunately, Peats has struggled to produce his best over the past two seasons and has fallen out of favour this year with new coach Justin Holbrook.
Dale Finucane
Club: Storm
SALARY: $550,000
Melbourne Storm football manager Frank Ponissi received a phone call from former Bulldogs coach Des Hasler in the 2015 off-season. Hasler was under salary cap pressure and had to offload a forward. He offered up Dale Finucane. Storm had chased him when he was a Holden Cup player and couldn't believe their luck. Not only did they sign a forward who would go on to play State of Origin but the Bulldogs paid half his salary for the first two years.
Corey Oates
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $550,000
Oates is one of the highest-paid wingers in the NRL. He has had a strange contractual history. Only signed a one-year deal in 2018 and that made him a target last year when he attracted interest from Sydney clubs. That forced the Broncos to up their price to keep him and Oates duly signed a three-year extension. Has played eight Origin games and his 93 career tries is testament to his finishing prowess. Plays like a seventh forward.
James Roberts
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $550,000
Sacked by two previous clubs, Roberts finally got his best pay day yet in 2017 when he was handed a four-year deal by the Broncos under Wayne Bennett. Roberts was flying at the Broncos, but his career nosedived when Anthony Seibold took over and the pair never jelled. Bennett came to the rescue with a lifeline last year. 'The Jet' needs some stellar games this season to justify the club's investment.
Jack De Belin
Club: Dragons
SALARY: $595,000
There's no other way to put it, but the Dragons' decision to continue to pay de Belin close to $600,000 during his on-going court case has been a disaster. While nobody ever predicted that the talented forward's case would be on-going 18-months after being stood-down by the NRL, the Dragons are compromising their roster and salary cap while they continue to pay his wage.
Addin Fonua-Blake
Club: Sea Eagles
SALARY: $600,000
Was sacked by St George Illawarra in 2015 for off-field issues before being snapped up by Manly for a bargain price of around $100,000 when no-one else wanted him. Over the next few years he emerged as one of the most feared front-rowers in the competition and for Tonga in international football to earn a four-year contract extension in 2018 until the end of 2022.
Andrew McCullough
Club: Knights
SALARY: $600,000
The Broncos dished out several four-year deals in 2017 and McCullough was among the recipients. That deal is now hurting them. McCullough fell out of favour this year under Anthony Seibold and was released to the Knights on a subsidised deal. He is one of Brisbane's best-paid players and still has a 12-month option to return to the Broncos next year.
Jarrod Croker
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $600,000
Very much the glue to the Raiders, captain Croker is in his 12th season and remains one of the game's elite centres and one of the best goalkickers in the competition. If you consider the financial difference between winning and losing for a club, Croker's 80 per cent kicking strike rate makes him worth every cent of his current salary.
Aaron Woods
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $600,000
2020 is the first season that Cronulla are paying the Test forward's entire salary after the Bulldogs contributed last year. Playing the most consistent football of his career with an average of over 130-metres per game, Woods' experience, go-forward and ball-play has proven more than valuable at a time of need for the Sharks.
Luke Brooks
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $600,000
Maligned by some but Brooks finished third in Dally M voting two years ago and was the NRL's halfback of the year in the same season. While James Tedesco and Mitchell Moses accepted richer offers at other clubs, Brooks has stayed loyal to the Tigers. After 138 career games, he was dropped to the bench by coach Michael Maguire recently. The Tigers can ill-afford another big-money player wasting space on their salary cap.
Elliot Whitehead
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $620,000
Ricky Stuart rates Whitehead as one of the most underrated players in the NRL. Not only can he handle a number of positions and play with physicality, but he's super reliable, having missed just six games in four seasons. Terrific value.
Adam Doueihi
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $625,000
Doueihi was granted an early release by the Rabbitohs and is still finding his feet in a fullback role at the Tigers on a subsidised deal. Souths had big wraps on the utility back but he suffered a major setback in 2018 when he snapped his ACL and required a reconstruction. There are question marks over his price tag and whether he will ultimately deliver bang for his buck.
Adam Blair
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $625,000
Was once the highest paid forward in the game when the Wests Tigers paid $800,000-a-season for him to quit Melbourne Storm in 2012. Moved to the Brisbane Broncos and then signed with the New Zealand Warriors to add experience and firepower to their forward pack. Has an option his way for next season but the 34-year-old is expected to retire at the end of the year to free up cap space for younger legs.
Matt Lodge
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $650,000
Another big-name Bronco who has knocked back enormous offers. Lodge is close to Tevita Pangai Jr and they both made a pact to take less to remain at the Broncos. Lodge knocked back massive contracts from Newcastle and the Warriors, the latter offering almost $1 million a season. Lodge feels indebted to the Broncos for offering a lifeline after his New York rampage in 2015. Yet to go the next level in the front row but has potential at age 25.
Jarrod Wallace
Club: Titans
SALARY: $650,000
Has done well to effectively triple his salary after being a bench player at his former club the Broncos. Wallace could not resist the lure of a starting spot at the Titans and he has proved a consistent performer for the club in the past two seasons. He has been rewarded with Queensland Origin selection in consecutive years, but a back injury has plagued his 2020 season.
Shannon Boyd
Club: Titans
SALARY: $650,000
Has not justified his huge salary. Boyd had somewhat of a big-name reputation after playing four Tests for Australia in 2016 but since his arrival at the Titans last year on a big-money deal, he has started in just six games. Over two seasons that equates to Boyd being paid $216,000 per starting appearance. He is down on fitness and struggles to play big minutes. Wants to retire to become a farmer.
Dane Gagai
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $650,000
One of the highest-paid wingers in the game, Gagai clinched a lucrative deal with Souths in 2018 after quitting the Knights following the 2017 World Cup. A big-match performer who has been superb for Queensland and Australia. Gagai was linked with a move to the Gold Coast Titans this year amid talk of salary-cap pressures bu
Junior Paulo
Club: Eels
SALARY: $650,000
Canberra and coach Ricky Stuart didn'۪t want him long term because of salary cap pressure so he signed at Parramatta. The Eels had to beat offers from the Bulldogs and the Cronulla Sharks for the front-row enforcer who has proved to be worth every cent of the big-money contract. He is locked down at the Eels until the end of the 2022 season.
Paul Vaughan
Club: Dragons
SALARY: $650,000
Unlike his teammate Tyson Frizell, who is on the same salary, Vaughan still has some work to do to be held in the same regard as far as week-in, week-out, consistent performances go. The current NSW Origin prop boasts great leg-speed and physicality on his day, but is still averaging just over 50-minutes per-game. Can go to the next bracket of money-earners by leaving his imprint as one of the game's leading enforcers.
Tyson Frizell
Club: Dragons
SALARY: $650,000
A current Test and NSW Origin player, the 28-year-old is in the final days of his career at the Dragons and he's been worth every bit of value to them. Never plays below 7/10 and will head to Newcastle in 2021 on a three-year deal worth an estimated $2.1 million.
Josh Hodgson
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $650,000
In four years, the Englishman has transformed the Raiders into a premiership force. On his day, he can match it with champion hooker Cameron Smith, which indicates just how much of a steal Hodgson is for the Raiders when he's not even ranked inside the top 50 highest-paid players in the game.
Josh McGuire
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $650,000
Even the most ardent Broncos fan was shocked when McGuire sought a release to join arch-rivals the Cowboys at the end of 2018. The Cowboys tabled a four-year deal and in the first year, Brisbane even provided a subsidy. Brisbane's loss has been the Cowboys' gain. McGuire delivers excellent value for money as a Queensland and Test player. He relishes the tough stuff and has been a good signing for the Cowboys.
Dylan Napa
Club: Bulldogs
SALARY: $650,000
Let go by the Roosters with one year still remaining on his contract, Napa joined Canterbury in 2019 as a direct replacement for David Klemmer, who had signed with Newcastle. Napa's healthy salary at the Dogs is arguably more than what other clubs would be willing to pay for him, but ultimately he's the beneficiary of a Canterbury club who, at the time, were willing to pay for a solution on the field and in the eyes of disgruntled supporters, following Klemmer's exit.
Tevita Pangai Jr
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $650,000
The Tongan torpedo is one of several Broncos who have taken less to stay. The Roosters and Canberra were keen on TPJ last year, with the Raiders offering him $900,000 a season. But Pangai Jr relishes life in Brisbane and showed his loyalty by inking a three-year contract extension. At this stage, he is not delivering bang for his buck. Has been suspended four times in the past 14 months.
Josh Papalii
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $660,000
One of the Raiders' great success stories. Signed by the club on no more than $30,000 as a 17-year-old from Queensland, 'Papa' has gone on to play for his state, country and more than 200 games for the Green Machine. Powerful and with a big engine, Papalii deservedly sits in the top bracket of best props in the game.
Viliame Kikau
Club: Panthers
SALARY: $675,000
Pinched from the Cowboys lower grades by Penrith's contract offer of $85,000 in 2015. The big Fijian missed his first season at the Panthers with a broken foot and he's been breaking hearts ever since. One of the most damaging edge forwards in the entire NRL, there're rival clubs that would be willing to pay more than what Kikau is currently earning. However, still only 23, Kikau is in his 'happy place' at Penrith and remains on contract until the end of 2022.
Blake Green
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $675,000
Walked out of his contract at the Manly Sea Eagles back in 2017 to sign for three years for more than $2 million at a club desperately in need of a classy playmaker. The 33-year-old has been told his services are not required at the Warriors beyond this season, sparking much interest from Australian based clubs looking for an experienced half.
Felise Kaufusi
Club: Storm
SALARY: $680,000
Recently took up a two year option to stick with Melbourne Storm until the end of 2022 despite interest from rival clubs, including St George Illawarra who were looking to replace Tyson Frizell. When asked about rejecting other bigger offers, Kaufusi said: "...Every question we asked, the answer was the Melbourne Storm. I think that's where I can play my best footy and keep improving."
Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $680,000
Like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, signed his new contract with the Roosters towards the end of last season that will keep him at the club until the end of 2022. Earnt a significant upgrade from the money saved on the Roosters' salary cap from the retirement of champion half-back Cooper Cronk. The 28-year-old Tongan fireball has been at the Roosters since 2015, originally starting on around $150,000-a-year.
Luke Keary
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $700,000
Won't be on only $700,000 for too much longer. He is off contract at the end of next season which means he will be swamped with offers from November if he goes on the open market. We all know Nick Politis rarely loses a player he wants to keep and he has begun multi-million dollar negotiations with his agent to ensure the glamour five-eighth plays out the rest of his career in a Roosters jersey.
Joey Leilua
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $700,000
Whether 'BJ' is worth this money depends on which player turns up each week. Is it the blockbusting centre who helped Canberra to last year's grand final? Or is it the loose cannon who can lose a game with a brain explosion in attack? The Tigers were prepared to take a punt on Leilua and with Canberra subsiding his deal this year, they will hope the gamble pays off.
Joseph Manu
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $700,000
The Sydney Roosters had to fend off enormous interest from the New Zealand Warriors, the Wests Tigers and the Canterbury Bulldogs to keep the 24-year-old Kiwi Test centre who came through the Roosters SG Ball and Under 20's development system who debuted in 2016 as a teenager. It was a critical signing considering Latrell Mitchell declined his $800,000-a-year offer.
Jesse Bromwich
Club: Storm
SALARY: $700,000
Once regarded as the best front-rower in the game, Bromwich has rejected a number of higher offers from the New Zealand Warriors and other clubs over the years to stick with Melbourne Storm. Still an elite prop,averaging more than 120 metres a game and rarely misses a game through injury.
Tohu Harris
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $700,000
Signed a $2.8 million four-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors back in February 2017, quitting Melbourne Storm where he was on about half of that amount. He has established himself as the best forward at the Warriors and the club is now in talks with the 28-year-old to extend his current deal for another three years before rivals can make offers in November.
Marty Taupau
Club: Sea Eagles
SALARY: $700,000
First joined the Sea Eagles in 2016 from the Wests Tigers as the club'۪s highest paid player. Such was the size of Manly's offer, Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor said at the time: "It was a good business decision for us to let him go." Taupau took a small pay cut in his next contract which was extended until the end of the 2022 season.
Cameron Murray
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $700,000
The 22-year-old is on his way to becoming a $1 million forward. In May, Murray signed with Souths until the end of 2025 and it's only a matter of time before he captains the club. His value has soared with his workrate and dynamic runs through the midfield, offering extremely good value. Played in the Blues Origin series victory last season and has notched a Test for Australia.
Cody Walker
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $700,000
His salary has more than tripled in the space of four years. Walker arrived at Redfern in 2016 having yet to play NRL at age 26, but then his career sensationally took off. The classy pivot has barely missed a game through injury and celebrated his NSW Origin debut last year after a stunning form burst. That prompted major interest from rivals, but Walker signed an upgraded two-year extension last December.
Josh Jackson
Club: Bulldogs
SALARY: $700,000
Jackson's own career ambition has suffered as a result of the Bulldogs' lean past few years, unable to regain his NSW Origin jersey he wore in 2017. However, the Canterbury captain has certainly been well remunerated by the club, earning more than many of the current Test and Origin players who play in his back row position.
Jordan McLean
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $700,000
The Storm rarely lose players they want to keep, so when the Cowboys lured McLean in 2018, it was considered a masterstroke. The monster prop initially forged a formidable alliance with Matt Scott with a view to succeeding 'Thumper' in retirement. But, in reality, McLean has not lived up to his price tag or hype since arriving from the Storm. He has been injury prone and doesn't dominate consistently up front.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $700,000
Signed with the Roosters until the end of 2023 last year which will make him 35 by the time the contract expires. Had huge offers from the Canberra Raiders and the Penrith Panthers but stayed at the Roosters for slightly less to win more premierships and develop his game even further under super coach Trent Robinson.
Ryan James
Club: Titans
SALARY: $725,000
The Gold Coast would be ruing James' wage on their salary cap. James is a great bloke and a good footballer but he has played just six games in two seasons due to back-to-back knee reconstructions. The skipper was so close to an Origin debut in 2018. James is off-contract at season's end and he is bracing for one hefty pay cut.
What do you think of his salary? Have your say below:
Wade Graham
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $750,000
Undeniably the face of Cronulla, a player others want to play alongside and is suitably remunerated to see out his career in the Shire. There's a small concern though in the steady decline in his number of appearances over the past three years due to unfortunate injuries which have been 18, 10 and eight. Sharks fans would be desperate for their skipper to complete the full season.
Angus Crichton
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $750,000
A shock big money signing from arch-rivals the South Sydney Rabbitohs and struggled to justify the big salary for much of last year. Has settled in now but is unlikely to keep the big salary when his three-year contract expires at the end of next season. That's not to say the Roosters want to let him go but they have other players who will need to be upgraded.
James Tamou
Club: Panthers
SALARY: $750,000
Not so long ago, the Penrith captain was busily being shopped to rival clubs, such was the belief inside the Panthers walls that the big man was failing to deliver on their investment. However, the former Test prop has turned back the clock in 2020, running on average for over 120-metres a game. Probably not worth the elite money he signed-on back in 2017, but definitely worth retaining next season at around $500,000.
Russell Packer
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $750,000
Packer's fall from grace has been dramatic. The Kiwi prop rebuilt his career at the Dragons and was performing so well in 2017 that he fielded a monster four-year offer from the Tigers. Packer couldn't resist. Under former coach Ivan Cleary, Packer was a co-captain but he has fallen out of favour under the Michael Maguire regime. Has played just nine games in the past two years and the Tigers have explored a transfer deal.
Darius Boyd
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $750,000
The last two years of his deal have been a nightmare for the Broncos. It was always a risky outlay. Boyd was 30 when the Broncos signed him and a four-year offer seemed too long given very few players are still at their peak at 34. The skipper's form was solid in 2018 but he dipped badly last season and Boyd is now barely hanging on in his swansong season. The reality is Boyd went 12 months too long.
Clint Gutherson
Club: Eels
SALARY: $750,000
Embroiled in a contract row with the Eels last year that took months to sort out. Parramatta refused to budge from their first offer of only $500,000. After a public slanging match between his manager Sam Ayoub and Eels officials, the offer was eventually increased to $750,000 this year which he has fully justified with some outstanding form.
Valentine Holmes
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $750,000
The Cowboys had to up the ante to lure Holmes to Townsville. The Queensland Origin ace had a failed 12-month dalliance in American Football and when he decided to come home, his former club the Sharks were keen to have him back. But North Queensland's six-year deal proved decisive. It has been a difficult first year in Townsville for Holmes, who will miss two months following ankle surgery.
Adam Reynolds
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $760,000
Just turned 30, Reynolds is delivering good value for money. The cheeky halfback was on roughly $350,000 when he helped the Rabbitohs to their breakthrough premiership in 2014. He was immediately upgraded to a $500,000 contract and 12 months later, in 2016, he received a mega five-year extension when Souths got wind that the Eels were keen to poach him. Reynolds remains at the top of his game.
Boyd Cordner
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $780,000
Signed a $4.25 million five-year deal in 2018 which ensured there would be no ill-feelings from the NSW and Australian captain about the signing of Angus Crichton from the South Sydney Rabbitohs on more money than he was earning at the time. On top of his contract Cordner has also been earning another $150,000 a year from rep football with the Blues and Kangaroos.
Shaun Johnson
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $800,000
In his second season in the Shire, the Kiwi poster-boy has taken his time, but is slowly understanding how to play hard-nosed 'Sharks football'. A rung below the best halves in the game, which makes his current salary questionable unless he can continue an upward trajectory in closing out victories.
Jake Trbojevic
Club: Sea Eagles
SALARY: $800,000
Received a well-deserved and lucrative contract upgrade at the same time as his brother last year when his money was raised from around $500,000-a-season to $800,000 to justify his position as one of the game's toughest and most durable players who has become a regular in Origin and Test sides.
Damien Cook
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $800,000
When Cook left the Bulldogs at the end of 2015, few could have predicted his stunning rise at the Rabbitohs. The 29-year-old has injected another dimension to hooking play with his blinding acceleration and the way he cannons out of dummy half, sending bigger forwards into meltdown. Cook's form rewarded him with a five-year, $4 million deal. He is worth every cent in the club's salary cap.
Jack Wighton
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $800,000
One of the premier running five-eighths in the game, Wighton has re-paid the tremendous amount of faith the Raiders have shown him over the years amidst a backdrop of off-field issues. His contract rises to a massive $900,000 next year which, if he isn't already, will increase the pressure on him to deliver the club a premiership.
Latrell Mitchell
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $800,000
The joint highest-paid player at the Rabbitohs. Not a bad outcome for Mitchell given the circumstances surrounding his arrival at Redfern this year. Mitchell had a shock bust-up with the Roosters after starring in the 2018 grand final. The NSW Origin ace has shown glimpses of match-winning class in red-and-green but has a long way to go to justify the club's huge outlay.
Mitchell Pearce
Club: Knights
SALARY: $800,000
Manly and Cronulla wanted the 31-year-old when the Roosters controversially released him at the end of 2017, but the Knights blew everyone out of the water with a four-year multi-million dollar deal. Two years into his deal and there's no denying Pearce has proven instrumental in the Knights rebuild. But legacies are built on results and after finishing 11th last year, Pearce must guide the Knights to the finals this year to validate his price tag.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard
Club: Eels
SALARY: $800,000
Probably the best value player in the entire NRL because the Penrith Panthers are paying almost half the contract for its entirety, a gift from Ivan Cleary who didn'۪t want him at the foot of the mountains after Phil Gould had signed him long-term. One of the form front-rowers in the competition, Campbell Gillard is under contract until 2022 with an option his way for 2023.
David Klemmer
Club: Knights
SALARY: $800,000
It's hard to believe that Klemmer could still be at the Dogs had he not sort a release from the final two years of his contract at the end of 2018. What a decision that has been. The Test enforcer always felt he was underpaid at Canterbury and found a club in Newcastle willing to pay his asking price. Is he worth $800,000? You bet he is. No less than 15 rival clubs would love to have the tough prop in their side.
Cameron Smith
Club: Storm
SALARY: $800,000
Interestingly not the highest paid player on Melbourne Storm's registered contracts with the NRL because outside of the Brisbane Broncos in 2015, clubs have known he is happy in Melbourne and unlikely to leave. He is only about $800,000, however third party payments would ensure that he takes home the most money at the Storm. He signed a two-year deal at the beginning of the 2019 season.
Moses Mbye
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $815,000
Arrived at the Tigers on a heavily subsidised deal after salary-cap pressures forced him out of the Bulldogs. Mbye celebrated his Queensland Origin debut last year but he hasn't quite delivered on a weekly basis in the NRL given his enormous pay packet. Originally signed from Canterbury as a fullback or playmaker but has drifted out into the centres. Few centres in the game can match his salary.
Mitchell Moses
Club: Eels
SALARY: $830,000
Quit the Wests Tigers to sign with the Parramatta Eels for 2018 on around $700,000. Has since been upgraded to the end of next year with an option his way for 2022 to justify his position among the best playmakers in the NRL. Could have signed with the Roosters but contract negotiations between his agent and Nick Politis broke down.
Matt Moylan
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $850,000
Rapidly developing into a poor investment. Brilliant in 2018 when helping Cronulla to a preliminary final at five-eighth, but it's been a steady decline ever since due to chronic hamstring injuries. His total of 16 appearances in the past two seasons equates to just under $53,000 per game.
Kalyn Ponga
Club: Knights
SALARY: $850,000
On the bubble of the top-20 highest-paid players, but not for long. This is the final season that the 22-year-old will earn anything less than $1 million per year, having recently agreed to an upgraded $4.5 million contract until 2024. A freakish talent who, with him in the side, is the difference between the Knights winning a premiership or without him, continuing their 20-year title drought
Andrew Fifita
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $850,000
At the peak of his powers in 2017, Fifita surprised many when he opted against auctioning himself to the highest bidder to instead ink a four-year extension at the Sharks. On $850,000 per-year until the end of 2022, the decision has proven a masterstroke for Fifita, who as injuries start to dictate his training and impact, leaves Cronulla management nervous about their long-term investment.
Josh Dugan
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $850,000
Signed by Cronulla for four years from 2018 as their answer to replacing Jack Bird who quit the club for Brisbane. Cops flak from fans for his durability, but surprisingly has only missed three games since September 2018. Offering just under value for money of late due to his consistency, experience and versatility to play wing, centre and fullback.
Josh Reynolds
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $850,000
The Tigers had every reason to celebrate when they snared Reynolds on a mega four-year deal. The Bulldogs squeezed him out and Reynolds was viewed as the dynamic five-eighth who could bring some spark to their flagging attack. But his signing has been a fizzer. Reynolds has played just 19 games in three seasons due to injuries and suspension. The Tigers have told him he is free to join another club.
Corey Norman
Club: Dragons
SALARY: $850,000
Contribution of around half of Norman's $800,000 salary by his former club Parramatta was only applicable last season, the first year of his three-year deal. Saints are now paying full-freight for the fullback/five-eighth whose form at the Dragons can be best described as enigmatic.
Cameron Munster
Club: Storm
SALARY: $850,000
Two years ago the Queensland Maroons and Kangaroos five-eighth was the most sort after player in the NRL when he came off contract at the Storm. There were half a dozen clubs offering him up to $1 million to try to convince him to leave. The Parramatta Eels and the Knights were among the highest bidders but he stayed for about $3.4 million over four years, less than he could have got elsewhere.
Tom Trbojevic
Club: Sea Eagles
SALARY: $900,000
A Mona Vale Raiders junior who signed his $900,000 contract last year as he emerged as one of the top 10 players across the NRL and an automatic selection for the NSW Blues and the Kangaroos. He could probably have got more on the open market but was never going to leave the northern beaches and his beloved Brookvale Oval.
Jack Bird
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $975,000
Hard to believe Bird is the 11th-highest paid player in rugby league. Luckless Bird hasn't provided value for money. Has played just 17 games in three seasons at Brisbane due to shoulder and sternum injuries and two knee reconstructions. But at the time of his signing in 2017, the Broncos had just lost Ben Hunt and were desperate for a big-name scalp. It just hasn't worked out.
James Tedesco
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $1 million
Signed a four year deal at the Sydney Roosters - $800,000, $900,000, $1m (this year) and $1.1m in 2021. The club is currently in negotiations to extend the contract of the game's best player for another three years that would push him above Daly Cherry-Evans as the game's highest paid player. Roosters boss Nick Politis will ensure the 27-year-old champion plays out his career at the club.
Jason Taumalolo
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $1 million
The year was 2016 and the notion of a lifetime, 10-year contract for a player in the salary cap era was simply implausible. Then the Cowboys decided to think left field. Taumalolo was in hot demand after the Cowboys' premiership win and what better way to keep rivals at bay than by signing the 110kg wrecking ball for life? The Cowboys were criticised for handing Taumalolo a $10 million deal but it has proved to be money well spent. Taumalolo lives up to his pay packet every week with his ferocious charges.
Anthony Milford
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $1 million
The first and only million-dollar player in Brisbane's history. Milford signed his four-year deal in May, 2017 and originally the Broncos didn't want to offer him $1 million. Brisbane had tabled a $900,000-a-season offer, but at the eleventh hour, the Storm launched a poaching raid. Fearful of losing Milford, the Broncos upped the ante and sealed the deal. But ever since, Milford has struggled to deliver. Highly gifted but frustratingly inconsistent, Milford's price tag is a millstone around his neck.
Michael Morgan
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $1 million
Seemed like good value when he was handed a new five-year deal after steering the Cowboys to the grand final in 2017. At the time, Morgan was the hottest property in the game with five Sydney clubs going hard for his signature. That forced the Cowboys to up the ante with a five-year, $5 million deal. But since becoming the club's top dog, Morgan has battled injuries and inconsistent form. Life after Johnathan Thurston has not been easy.
Nathan Cleary
Club: Panthers
SALARY: $1 million
The NSW Origin halfback became a millionaire at 20 when he inked a five-year mega-deal with Penrith back in 2018. Signed to the Panthers until 2024, Cleary, 22, will pocket close to $5 million by the time his contract expires. Despite a few off-field hiccups, Cleary has already proven inside the Origin arena he has the elite-level qualities to demand his current salary. And if he can deliver Penrith their first premiership since 2003, the investment will be worth every cent.
Kieran Foran
Club: Bulldogs
SALARY: $1 million
In the grand final for one of the worst signings in the Canterbury club's history. That's not based on Foran's talent given his 2011 premiership ring and 21 Tests for New Zealand, but the return on investment (ROI) the Bulldogs have had from the 29-year-old. Before this season, injuries had capped his amount of games for the club to just 26 in two years - about $115,000 per appearance. This is the final year of his contract at Canterbury.
Ash Taylor
Club: Titans
SALARY: $1.025 million
Taylor went from a $200,000 deal to an instant millionaire when he inked a three-year contract in 2017. At the time, Taylor was on fire for the Titans and coming off rookie of the year honours in 2016. There was talk Wayne Bennett wanted him back at the Broncos, so the Titans tabled a massive deal to ensure he wouldn't leave. Ever since, he has failed to play to near his potential and temporarily quit the NRL last year to address some mental demons.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $1.1 million
Nick Politis and the Sydney Roosters rarely lose a player they want to keep. Back in 2016 the Roosters offered the superstar fullback around $800,000 a year to stay at Moore Park. The Warriors went $200,000 over the top and convinced him to cross the Tasman to become the face of the franchise. He has since extended his contract until the end of the 2022 season on $1.1 million.
Ben Hunt
Club: Dragons
SALARY: $1.2 million
In the third season of a six-year $6 million dollar deal, Hunt is the second highest-paid player in the game after he was signed from Brisbane to become the Dragons on-field master and controller. The investment has failed miserably, with Hunt shifted this year to hooker in a bid to spark his form. However, of what should be of a greater concern for the management of the Dragons salary cap is that with first-choice dummy-half Cameron McInnes, who has been moved to lock, on around $450,000, Saints have close to $1.45 million tied-up in the position of hooker.
Daly Cherry-Evans
Club: Sea Eagles
SALARY: $1.25 MILLION
Signed the richest deal in NRL history - a $10 million life contract with the Manly Sea Eagles - back in 2015 when rugby league immortal Bob Fulton convinced him to backflip on the Gold Coast Titans. He had signed a contract with the Titans several months earlier and even purchased a house on the holiday strip to prepare for the move back to his home state. Also knocked back a huge offer from the Cronulla Sharks.
The first instalment of the highest-earning players from 100 to 51 includes a stunning insight into the earnings of household names and the stars we watch every weekend.
You’ll be shocked that Broncos forward David Fifita — being offered a $1.2 million contract by the Gold Coast — is on $300,000 this season, and so missed the cut for this year’s Rich 100.
We learn the Top 100’s bottom half is made up of prop-forwards and back-rowers, and that despite winning three premierships and a Clive Churchill medal, Roosters playmaker Luke Keary is ranked outside the top 50.
He’s not alone. We discover representative and premiership-winning players including Josh Papalii (56), Josh Hodgson (60), Tyson Frizell (61) and Blake Ferguson (90) also sit outside the 50 highest-paid players.
Hugely influential in Parramatta’ s chances of winning this year’s premiership, Maika Sivo is ranked at 86th.
And if Penrith’s Apisai Koroisau wasn’t the buy of the season before, he is now. His $500,000 salary saw him scrape into the rich list at 93.
On Sunday, we’ll reveal the No.1-paid player in the NRL.
Cue the outrage.
NRL Rich 100: Top salaries for the highest paid players in 2020
For the first time the full list of the highest paid players in the NRL can be revealed. There is no shortage of shocks in Part 1 of the NRL Rich 100 where we profile the players ranked from 100 to 51.
For more than 35 years, the wealthiest Australians have turned to their annual rich list to see who’s on top at the big end of town.
Ranked in order by personal net worth from one to 100, the much-anticipated list features the country’s greatest success stories of men and women.
While the list inspires budding entrepreneurs, it seldom sparks the type of raw emotion that leaves us yelling, cheering and screaming at our televisions and in grandstands.
That’s what rugby league does. But in our game, we’ve never known the true value of our biggest names. Until now.
SCROLL DOWN TO CHECK OUT NUMBERS 100 TO 51 IN OUR INTERACTIVE
For the first time, the NRL’s 100 highest-paid players can be revealed.
We bring these players into our family, into our homes, down the park, at the cafe and on our devices.
We know how to spell the first name and surname of our favourite player simply by looking at their shirt number.
We know their best position, we know they should play State of Origin, and we know they should never play first grade again.
We curse them. We argue for them. We want them to win and we want them to lose.
And now we understand just how much they’re worth to your team.
A month-long News Corp investigation undertaken by senior rugby league journalists Phil Rothfield, Peter Badel and myself has delivered the inaugural 2020 NRL Rich 100.
So who’s the highest-paid player in the NRL? Exactly which player is the most overpaid, who is worth more and which club has made the best and worst recruitment decisions over the seasons?
Let the jostling begin.
Unlike in the NBA and NFL in the US, where athlete salaries are made public on the basis of transparency, NRL players have fought the game’s administrators for decades from disclosing their salary earnings.
But as the code faces a battle to avoid another salary cap scandal, players are in an increasing position of weakness.
The NRL is exploring options that would open the vault and lift the lid on player salaries. And so here it is.
The NRL Rich 100 has been compiled after painstaking research that has included interviewing the game’s money-ball men and the gatekeepers to all 16 club salary caps.
Former NRL executives, player agents, club recruitment officers, general managers, coaches, chief executives and chairs have all contributed to ranking the 100 highest-paid players in 2020.
The figures are accurate and don’t account for any extra earnings outside the $9.8 million salary cap that each club is bound to work under.
Third-party deals and individual sponsorship have been ignored, with the figures listed simply that of which the player will earn inside the salary cap this season.
The list — from one to 100 — and its ramifications will be revealed over the next four days.
We investigated the salaries of every player inside — and just outside — the top 100. The list will show information previously considered guesswork — which positions generate the highest salary, which clubs are paying the most for their players, and which age demographic pulls in the biggest bucks.
The NRL Rich 100 will expose the clubs with poor roster management and why clubs with multiple big-earners — such as the Titans, Sharks and Tigers — are frozen from major recruitment moves.
We also reveal which clubs are still paying for players that are now at rival clubs.
Ranked in order by personal net worth from one to 100, the much-anticipated list features the country’s greatest success stories of men and women.
While the list inspires budding entrepreneurs, it seldom sparks the type of raw emotion that leaves us yelling, cheering and screaming at our televisions and in grandstands.
That’s what rugby league does. But in our game, we’ve never known the true value of our biggest names. Until now.
SCROLL DOWN TO CHECK OUT NUMBERS 100 TO 51 IN OUR INTERACTIVE
For the first time, the NRL’s 100 highest-paid players can be revealed.
We bring these players into our family, into our homes, down the park, at the cafe and on our devices.
We know how to spell the first name and surname of our favourite player simply by looking at their shirt number.
We know their best position, we know they should play State of Origin, and we know they should never play first grade again.
We curse them. We argue for them. We want them to win and we want them to lose.
And now we understand just how much they’re worth to your team.
A month-long News Corp investigation undertaken by senior rugby league journalists Phil Rothfield, Peter Badel and myself has delivered the inaugural 2020 NRL Rich 100.
So who’s the highest-paid player in the NRL? Exactly which player is the most overpaid, who is worth more and which club has made the best and worst recruitment decisions over the seasons?
Let the jostling begin.
Unlike in the NBA and NFL in the US, where athlete salaries are made public on the basis of transparency, NRL players have fought the game’s administrators for decades from disclosing their salary earnings.
But as the code faces a battle to avoid another salary cap scandal, players are in an increasing position of weakness.
The NRL is exploring options that would open the vault and lift the lid on player salaries. And so here it is.
The NRL Rich 100 has been compiled after painstaking research that has included interviewing the game’s money-ball men and the gatekeepers to all 16 club salary caps.
Former NRL executives, player agents, club recruitment officers, general managers, coaches, chief executives and chairs have all contributed to ranking the 100 highest-paid players in 2020.
The figures are accurate and don’t account for any extra earnings outside the $9.8 million salary cap that each club is bound to work under.
Third-party deals and individual sponsorship have been ignored, with the figures listed simply that of which the player will earn inside the salary cap this season.
The list — from one to 100 — and its ramifications will be revealed over the next four days.
We investigated the salaries of every player inside — and just outside — the top 100. The list will show information previously considered guesswork — which positions generate the highest salary, which clubs are paying the most for their players, and which age demographic pulls in the biggest bucks.
The NRL Rich 100 will expose the clubs with poor roster management and why clubs with multiple big-earners — such as the Titans, Sharks and Tigers — are frozen from major recruitment moves.
We also reveal which clubs are still paying for players that are now at rival clubs.
Club: Storm
SALARY: $480,000
A reject from the Cronulla Sharks and the Wests Tigers before finding a home at Melbourne Storm as one of their lowest paid players. Became an established match-winner and Origin star to earn a more lucrative deal. In his last season at Melbourne Storm after being granted a release from the final year of his contract to return to Sydney to be with his family. Has the potential to earn towards $600,000 on his next deal.
Club: Knights
SALARY: $500,000
Crucial to the Knights re-build, Guerra's signing from the Roosters in 2018 while far from headline-grabbing is regarded within Newcastle's inner-sanctum as pivotal to their current success and beyond. His 200-games worth of NRL experience and guidance has been instrumental for the younger Knights forwards. Will most likely depart at the end of this year, but not without leaving an imprint.
Club: Eels
SALARY: $500,000
Took a $200,000 pay rise to leave the Sydney Roosters and a premiership winning team to set up his career in a three-year deal worth $1.6 million at Parramatta which expires at the end of 2021. Also had interest from the Cronulla Sharks and the Canterbury Bulldogs but their offers were worth around $400,000 less over the three years.
Club: Eels
SALARY: $500,000
On huge money (around $800,000) when he joined from the Roosters but has gradually come down. The 32-year-old centre, who is still playing some of the best football of his career, is under contract until the end of next season. If he stays injury free will play his 300th NRL game during the finals. He has scored 154 career tries.
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $500,000
Signed with the Warriors while still at the Broncos at the end of 2018 but didn't fit into new coach Anthony Seibold'۪s plans in Brisbane and was released from his contract five months early. The Warriors were accused of paying too much but chief executive Cameron George said: "For those that know [recruitment manager] Peter O'Sullivan, he knows the market extremely well and refuses to pay overs, I can assure you of that."
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Club: Titans
SALARY: $500,000
The Titans felt they had scored a coup when Proctor announced he was quitting the Melbourne Storm after the 2016 grand final to return to family on the Gold Coast. The Titans tabled a four-year, $2 million deal and it seemed like good value. But the back-rower has never really justified his price tag at the Titans as a Kiwi Test star and premi
Club: Titans
SALARY: $500,000
Another big-name signing whose form has gone south. Peachey became a NSW Origin player at Penrith, so the Titans had every reason to be pleased when they snapped him up on a $1.5 million, three-year deal. But Peachey's stint has been plagued by claims he is homesick on the Gold Coast and his form has never matched his brilliant utility value at the Panthers. Needs to lift dramatically. Premiership-winner. Currently off-contract and needs more punch in attack.
Club: Panthers
SALARY: $500,000
In the eyes of many, Koroisau is the 2020 buy-of-the-season. Back at Penrith after stints at Souths - where he won the premiership - and Manly, the outstanding dummy-half chose to return to Penrith over Canterbury because of his close relationship with assistant coach Trent Barrett. Such has been his dominance this year, he's been worth every cent of his current contract.
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $500,000
The Warriors and a few Sydney clubs were sniffing around last year while Ofahengaue was off-contract, but he utlimately signed with the Broncos. His salary was helped by his purple patch of form that won him a Queensland Origin debut last season. But since signing the new deal, Ofahengaue has been suspended twice and his form has gone south.
Club: Eels
SALARY: $500,000
Wasn't happy with the $350,000 he was on at the Wests Tigers last year and didn't enjoy playing under Michael Maguire. Packed his bags and walked out with two years remaining on his contract to get a $150,000 pay rise from the Eels that is backdated with increases over the next three years. Likely to become an Origin regular and earn another $90,000 in rep payments.
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $500,000
A powerhouse 23-year-old who emerged from Clovelly Crocodiles in Easts juniors in 2016 on the minimum NRL wage of under $100,000 while working as a tradie to supplement his income. Has since been tied down until the end of 2023 on an extended four-year contract that will allow him to earn around $700,000 at the backend of the deal
Club: Eels
SALARY: $520,000
The centre of an NRL bidding war last year with the New Zealand Warriors offering him a three-deal that could have earnt him far more money to become the richest teenager in the competition. He stayed at the Paramatta Eels for $500,000 this year but will get good upgrades to eventually finish on around $750,000-a-season in the final year
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $520,000
Shown a huge amount of faith by Sharks coach John Morris in extending the 28-year-old until 2023, which resulted in local junior Kyle Flanagan leaving to chase his career at the Roosters. The orchestrater of the entire side with his organisation and kicking game, Townsend's value, right now, is justifiable as a premiership-winning halfback. of his contract.
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $540,000
A try-scoring machine who signed a five-year contract with the New Zealand Warriors in 2018 to become the highest paid specialist winger in the competition at the time. Scored 24 tries in 2017 and 23 tries in 2018 to establish himself as the most dangerous finisher in the game which attracted interest from rival clubs across the code.
Club: Eels
SALARY: $550,000
On $75,000 when he first arrived in 2019 via country football and Penrith's lower grades. Upgraded until the end of next season when he emerged as the game's most dynamic finisher with an extraordinary 25 tries in his debut season to become the club'۪s pin-up player with the fans. Still only 26 and is likely to become the centre of a bidding war when he can talk to rival clubs in November.
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $550,000
Hess' value soared quickly in Townsville. He rocketed into the Queensland Origin side aged just 20 in 2017 and within 12 months, he was basking in a rich three-year contract extension. But since his lucrative pay day, Hess' form has gone south. He has lost his Maroons jumper and is struggling to recapture the tackle-busting dominance he displayed on the fringes running off former playmaking champion Johnathan Thurston.
Club: Storm
SALARY: $550,000
Locked in at Melbourne Storm until the end of the 2023 season. Signed for five years at the beginning of the 2018 season as he was emerging as one of the most explosive forwards in the competition. Had eight clubs chasing his services but chose to stay with Craig Bellamy at a club where so many youngsters improve as footballers
Club: Eels
SALARY: $550,000
Another case of Penrith paying half of his contract until the end of 2023 when his earnings will be up around the $800,000-a-year mark. Exactly the same situation as Reagan Campbell-Gillard ... Phil Gould signed him long term, then left the club and Cleary offered him to the Eels. He is managed by Clint Gutherson's agent Sam Ayoub, who was behind the transfer.
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $550,000
Once regarded as a future star of the game, the capable backrower hasn't lived up to that hype and some would argue there's plenty of other quality backrowers in front of him. On contract at the Raiders until 2023, the next two seasons will bring Canberra's decision to invest in Tapine long-term under the spotlight if he fails to take his ga
Club: Bulldogs
SALARY: $550,000
With an ambition to play fullback - and enjoy the financial fruits that come with the position as opposed to wing - DWZ moved to Canterbury from Penrith on the promise of the no.1 jumper in June 2019. The former New Zealand captain also had interest from the Eels, Wests Tigers and Cowboys, which enabled him to drive up his asking price. But with only two tries in 20 matches and the increasing thought his best position is indeed on the wing, this could quickly develop into a poor purchase by the Dogs. me to another level.
Club: Titans
SALARY: $550,000
Salary-cap issues at Parramatta forced Peats to find a new home and he hit the ground running at the Titans in 2016. Within 12 months, he made his Origin debut for NSW and that earned him the best pay day of his injury-plagued career. Unfortunately, Peats has struggled to produce his best over the past two seasons and has fallen out of favour this year with new coach Justin Holbrook.
Club: Storm
SALARY: $550,000
Melbourne Storm football manager Frank Ponissi received a phone call from former Bulldogs coach Des Hasler in the 2015 off-season. Hasler was under salary cap pressure and had to offload a forward. He offered up Dale Finucane. Storm had chased him when he was a Holden Cup player and couldn't believe their luck. Not only did they sign a forward who would go on to play State of Origin but the Bulldogs paid half his salary for the first two years.
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $550,000
Oates is one of the highest-paid wingers in the NRL. He has had a strange contractual history. Only signed a one-year deal in 2018 and that made him a target last year when he attracted interest from Sydney clubs. That forced the Broncos to up their price to keep him and Oates duly signed a three-year extension. Has played eight Origin games and his 93 career tries is testament to his finishing prowess. Plays like a seventh forward.
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $550,000
Sacked by two previous clubs, Roberts finally got his best pay day yet in 2017 when he was handed a four-year deal by the Broncos under Wayne Bennett. Roberts was flying at the Broncos, but his career nosedived when Anthony Seibold took over and the pair never jelled. Bennett came to the rescue with a lifeline last year. 'The Jet' needs some stellar games this season to justify the club's investment.
Club: Dragons
SALARY: $595,000
There's no other way to put it, but the Dragons' decision to continue to pay de Belin close to $600,000 during his on-going court case has been a disaster. While nobody ever predicted that the talented forward's case would be on-going 18-months after being stood-down by the NRL, the Dragons are compromising their roster and salary cap while they continue to pay his wage.
Club: Sea Eagles
SALARY: $600,000
Was sacked by St George Illawarra in 2015 for off-field issues before being snapped up by Manly for a bargain price of around $100,000 when no-one else wanted him. Over the next few years he emerged as one of the most feared front-rowers in the competition and for Tonga in international football to earn a four-year contract extension in 2018 until the end of 2022.
Club: Knights
SALARY: $600,000
The Broncos dished out several four-year deals in 2017 and McCullough was among the recipients. That deal is now hurting them. McCullough fell out of favour this year under Anthony Seibold and was released to the Knights on a subsidised deal. He is one of Brisbane's best-paid players and still has a 12-month option to return to the Broncos next year.
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $600,000
Very much the glue to the Raiders, captain Croker is in his 12th season and remains one of the game's elite centres and one of the best goalkickers in the competition. If you consider the financial difference between winning and losing for a club, Croker's 80 per cent kicking strike rate makes him worth every cent of his current salary.
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $600,000
2020 is the first season that Cronulla are paying the Test forward's entire salary after the Bulldogs contributed last year. Playing the most consistent football of his career with an average of over 130-metres per game, Woods' experience, go-forward and ball-play has proven more than valuable at a time of need for the Sharks.
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $600,000
Maligned by some but Brooks finished third in Dally M voting two years ago and was the NRL's halfback of the year in the same season. While James Tedesco and Mitchell Moses accepted richer offers at other clubs, Brooks has stayed loyal to the Tigers. After 138 career games, he was dropped to the bench by coach Michael Maguire recently. The Tigers can ill-afford another big-money player wasting space on their salary cap.
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $620,000
Ricky Stuart rates Whitehead as one of the most underrated players in the NRL. Not only can he handle a number of positions and play with physicality, but he's super reliable, having missed just six games in four seasons. Terrific value.
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $625,000
Doueihi was granted an early release by the Rabbitohs and is still finding his feet in a fullback role at the Tigers on a subsidised deal. Souths had big wraps on the utility back but he suffered a major setback in 2018 when he snapped his ACL and required a reconstruction. There are question marks over his price tag and whether he will ultimately deliver bang for his buck.
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $625,000
Was once the highest paid forward in the game when the Wests Tigers paid $800,000-a-season for him to quit Melbourne Storm in 2012. Moved to the Brisbane Broncos and then signed with the New Zealand Warriors to add experience and firepower to their forward pack. Has an option his way for next season but the 34-year-old is expected to retire at the end of the year to free up cap space for younger legs.
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $650,000
Another big-name Bronco who has knocked back enormous offers. Lodge is close to Tevita Pangai Jr and they both made a pact to take less to remain at the Broncos. Lodge knocked back massive contracts from Newcastle and the Warriors, the latter offering almost $1 million a season. Lodge feels indebted to the Broncos for offering a lifeline after his New York rampage in 2015. Yet to go the next level in the front row but has potential at age 25.
Club: Titans
SALARY: $650,000
Has done well to effectively triple his salary after being a bench player at his former club the Broncos. Wallace could not resist the lure of a starting spot at the Titans and he has proved a consistent performer for the club in the past two seasons. He has been rewarded with Queensland Origin selection in consecutive years, but a back injury has plagued his 2020 season.
Club: Titans
SALARY: $650,000
Has not justified his huge salary. Boyd had somewhat of a big-name reputation after playing four Tests for Australia in 2016 but since his arrival at the Titans last year on a big-money deal, he has started in just six games. Over two seasons that equates to Boyd being paid $216,000 per starting appearance. He is down on fitness and struggles to play big minutes. Wants to retire to become a farmer.
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $650,000
One of the highest-paid wingers in the game, Gagai clinched a lucrative deal with Souths in 2018 after quitting the Knights following the 2017 World Cup. A big-match performer who has been superb for Queensland and Australia. Gagai was linked with a move to the Gold Coast Titans this year amid talk of salary-cap pressures bu
Club: Eels
SALARY: $650,000
Canberra and coach Ricky Stuart didn'۪t want him long term because of salary cap pressure so he signed at Parramatta. The Eels had to beat offers from the Bulldogs and the Cronulla Sharks for the front-row enforcer who has proved to be worth every cent of the big-money contract. He is locked down at the Eels until the end of the 2022 season.
Club: Dragons
SALARY: $650,000
Unlike his teammate Tyson Frizell, who is on the same salary, Vaughan still has some work to do to be held in the same regard as far as week-in, week-out, consistent performances go. The current NSW Origin prop boasts great leg-speed and physicality on his day, but is still averaging just over 50-minutes per-game. Can go to the next bracket of money-earners by leaving his imprint as one of the game's leading enforcers.
Club: Dragons
SALARY: $650,000
A current Test and NSW Origin player, the 28-year-old is in the final days of his career at the Dragons and he's been worth every bit of value to them. Never plays below 7/10 and will head to Newcastle in 2021 on a three-year deal worth an estimated $2.1 million.
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $650,000
In four years, the Englishman has transformed the Raiders into a premiership force. On his day, he can match it with champion hooker Cameron Smith, which indicates just how much of a steal Hodgson is for the Raiders when he's not even ranked inside the top 50 highest-paid players in the game.
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $650,000
Even the most ardent Broncos fan was shocked when McGuire sought a release to join arch-rivals the Cowboys at the end of 2018. The Cowboys tabled a four-year deal and in the first year, Brisbane even provided a subsidy. Brisbane's loss has been the Cowboys' gain. McGuire delivers excellent value for money as a Queensland and Test player. He relishes the tough stuff and has been a good signing for the Cowboys.
Club: Bulldogs
SALARY: $650,000
Let go by the Roosters with one year still remaining on his contract, Napa joined Canterbury in 2019 as a direct replacement for David Klemmer, who had signed with Newcastle. Napa's healthy salary at the Dogs is arguably more than what other clubs would be willing to pay for him, but ultimately he's the beneficiary of a Canterbury club who, at the time, were willing to pay for a solution on the field and in the eyes of disgruntled supporters, following Klemmer's exit.
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $650,000
The Tongan torpedo is one of several Broncos who have taken less to stay. The Roosters and Canberra were keen on TPJ last year, with the Raiders offering him $900,000 a season. But Pangai Jr relishes life in Brisbane and showed his loyalty by inking a three-year contract extension. At this stage, he is not delivering bang for his buck. Has been suspended four times in the past 14 months.
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $660,000
One of the Raiders' great success stories. Signed by the club on no more than $30,000 as a 17-year-old from Queensland, 'Papa' has gone on to play for his state, country and more than 200 games for the Green Machine. Powerful and with a big engine, Papalii deservedly sits in the top bracket of best props in the game.
Club: Panthers
SALARY: $675,000
Pinched from the Cowboys lower grades by Penrith's contract offer of $85,000 in 2015. The big Fijian missed his first season at the Panthers with a broken foot and he's been breaking hearts ever since. One of the most damaging edge forwards in the entire NRL, there're rival clubs that would be willing to pay more than what Kikau is currently earning. However, still only 23, Kikau is in his 'happy place' at Penrith and remains on contract until the end of 2022.
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $675,000
Walked out of his contract at the Manly Sea Eagles back in 2017 to sign for three years for more than $2 million at a club desperately in need of a classy playmaker. The 33-year-old has been told his services are not required at the Warriors beyond this season, sparking much interest from Australian based clubs looking for an experienced half.
Club: Storm
SALARY: $680,000
Recently took up a two year option to stick with Melbourne Storm until the end of 2022 despite interest from rival clubs, including St George Illawarra who were looking to replace Tyson Frizell. When asked about rejecting other bigger offers, Kaufusi said: "...Every question we asked, the answer was the Melbourne Storm. I think that's where I can play my best footy and keep improving."
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $680,000
Like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, signed his new contract with the Roosters towards the end of last season that will keep him at the club until the end of 2022. Earnt a significant upgrade from the money saved on the Roosters' salary cap from the retirement of champion half-back Cooper Cronk. The 28-year-old Tongan fireball has been at the Roosters since 2015, originally starting on around $150,000-a-year.
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $700,000
Won't be on only $700,000 for too much longer. He is off contract at the end of next season which means he will be swamped with offers from November if he goes on the open market. We all know Nick Politis rarely loses a player he wants to keep and he has begun multi-million dollar negotiations with his agent to ensure the glamour five-eighth plays out the rest of his career in a Roosters jersey.
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $700,000
Whether 'BJ' is worth this money depends on which player turns up each week. Is it the blockbusting centre who helped Canberra to last year's grand final? Or is it the loose cannon who can lose a game with a brain explosion in attack? The Tigers were prepared to take a punt on Leilua and with Canberra subsiding his deal this year, they will hope the gamble pays off.
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $700,000
The Sydney Roosters had to fend off enormous interest from the New Zealand Warriors, the Wests Tigers and the Canterbury Bulldogs to keep the 24-year-old Kiwi Test centre who came through the Roosters SG Ball and Under 20's development system who debuted in 2016 as a teenager. It was a critical signing considering Latrell Mitchell declined his $800,000-a-year offer.
Club: Storm
SALARY: $700,000
Once regarded as the best front-rower in the game, Bromwich has rejected a number of higher offers from the New Zealand Warriors and other clubs over the years to stick with Melbourne Storm. Still an elite prop,averaging more than 120 metres a game and rarely misses a game through injury.
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $700,000
Signed a $2.8 million four-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors back in February 2017, quitting Melbourne Storm where he was on about half of that amount. He has established himself as the best forward at the Warriors and the club is now in talks with the 28-year-old to extend his current deal for another three years before rivals can make offers in November.
Club: Sea Eagles
SALARY: $700,000
First joined the Sea Eagles in 2016 from the Wests Tigers as the club'۪s highest paid player. Such was the size of Manly's offer, Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor said at the time: "It was a good business decision for us to let him go." Taupau took a small pay cut in his next contract which was extended until the end of the 2022 season.
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $700,000
The 22-year-old is on his way to becoming a $1 million forward. In May, Murray signed with Souths until the end of 2025 and it's only a matter of time before he captains the club. His value has soared with his workrate and dynamic runs through the midfield, offering extremely good value. Played in the Blues Origin series victory last season and has notched a Test for Australia.
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $700,000
His salary has more than tripled in the space of four years. Walker arrived at Redfern in 2016 having yet to play NRL at age 26, but then his career sensationally took off. The classy pivot has barely missed a game through injury and celebrated his NSW Origin debut last year after a stunning form burst. That prompted major interest from rivals, but Walker signed an upgraded two-year extension last December.
Club: Bulldogs
SALARY: $700,000
Jackson's own career ambition has suffered as a result of the Bulldogs' lean past few years, unable to regain his NSW Origin jersey he wore in 2017. However, the Canterbury captain has certainly been well remunerated by the club, earning more than many of the current Test and Origin players who play in his back row position.
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $700,000
The Storm rarely lose players they want to keep, so when the Cowboys lured McLean in 2018, it was considered a masterstroke. The monster prop initially forged a formidable alliance with Matt Scott with a view to succeeding 'Thumper' in retirement. But, in reality, McLean has not lived up to his price tag or hype since arriving from the Storm. He has been injury prone and doesn't dominate consistently up front.
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $700,000
Signed with the Roosters until the end of 2023 last year which will make him 35 by the time the contract expires. Had huge offers from the Canberra Raiders and the Penrith Panthers but stayed at the Roosters for slightly less to win more premierships and develop his game even further under super coach Trent Robinson.
Club: Titans
SALARY: $725,000
The Gold Coast would be ruing James' wage on their salary cap. James is a great bloke and a good footballer but he has played just six games in two seasons due to back-to-back knee reconstructions. The skipper was so close to an Origin debut in 2018. James is off-contract at season's end and he is bracing for one hefty pay cut.
What do you think of his salary? Have your say below:
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $750,000
Undeniably the face of Cronulla, a player others want to play alongside and is suitably remunerated to see out his career in the Shire. There's a small concern though in the steady decline in his number of appearances over the past three years due to unfortunate injuries which have been 18, 10 and eight. Sharks fans would be desperate for their skipper to complete the full season.
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $750,000
A shock big money signing from arch-rivals the South Sydney Rabbitohs and struggled to justify the big salary for much of last year. Has settled in now but is unlikely to keep the big salary when his three-year contract expires at the end of next season. That's not to say the Roosters want to let him go but they have other players who will need to be upgraded.
Club: Panthers
SALARY: $750,000
Not so long ago, the Penrith captain was busily being shopped to rival clubs, such was the belief inside the Panthers walls that the big man was failing to deliver on their investment. However, the former Test prop has turned back the clock in 2020, running on average for over 120-metres a game. Probably not worth the elite money he signed-on back in 2017, but definitely worth retaining next season at around $500,000.
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $750,000
Packer's fall from grace has been dramatic. The Kiwi prop rebuilt his career at the Dragons and was performing so well in 2017 that he fielded a monster four-year offer from the Tigers. Packer couldn't resist. Under former coach Ivan Cleary, Packer was a co-captain but he has fallen out of favour under the Michael Maguire regime. Has played just nine games in the past two years and the Tigers have explored a transfer deal.
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $750,000
The last two years of his deal have been a nightmare for the Broncos. It was always a risky outlay. Boyd was 30 when the Broncos signed him and a four-year offer seemed too long given very few players are still at their peak at 34. The skipper's form was solid in 2018 but he dipped badly last season and Boyd is now barely hanging on in his swansong season. The reality is Boyd went 12 months too long.
Club: Eels
SALARY: $750,000
Embroiled in a contract row with the Eels last year that took months to sort out. Parramatta refused to budge from their first offer of only $500,000. After a public slanging match between his manager Sam Ayoub and Eels officials, the offer was eventually increased to $750,000 this year which he has fully justified with some outstanding form.
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $750,000
The Cowboys had to up the ante to lure Holmes to Townsville. The Queensland Origin ace had a failed 12-month dalliance in American Football and when he decided to come home, his former club the Sharks were keen to have him back. But North Queensland's six-year deal proved decisive. It has been a difficult first year in Townsville for Holmes, who will miss two months following ankle surgery.
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $760,000
Just turned 30, Reynolds is delivering good value for money. The cheeky halfback was on roughly $350,000 when he helped the Rabbitohs to their breakthrough premiership in 2014. He was immediately upgraded to a $500,000 contract and 12 months later, in 2016, he received a mega five-year extension when Souths got wind that the Eels were keen to poach him. Reynolds remains at the top of his game.
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $780,000
Signed a $4.25 million five-year deal in 2018 which ensured there would be no ill-feelings from the NSW and Australian captain about the signing of Angus Crichton from the South Sydney Rabbitohs on more money than he was earning at the time. On top of his contract Cordner has also been earning another $150,000 a year from rep football with the Blues and Kangaroos.
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $800,000
In his second season in the Shire, the Kiwi poster-boy has taken his time, but is slowly understanding how to play hard-nosed 'Sharks football'. A rung below the best halves in the game, which makes his current salary questionable unless he can continue an upward trajectory in closing out victories.
Club: Sea Eagles
SALARY: $800,000
Received a well-deserved and lucrative contract upgrade at the same time as his brother last year when his money was raised from around $500,000-a-season to $800,000 to justify his position as one of the game's toughest and most durable players who has become a regular in Origin and Test sides.
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $800,000
When Cook left the Bulldogs at the end of 2015, few could have predicted his stunning rise at the Rabbitohs. The 29-year-old has injected another dimension to hooking play with his blinding acceleration and the way he cannons out of dummy half, sending bigger forwards into meltdown. Cook's form rewarded him with a five-year, $4 million deal. He is worth every cent in the club's salary cap.
Club: Raiders
SALARY: $800,000
One of the premier running five-eighths in the game, Wighton has re-paid the tremendous amount of faith the Raiders have shown him over the years amidst a backdrop of off-field issues. His contract rises to a massive $900,000 next year which, if he isn't already, will increase the pressure on him to deliver the club a premiership.
Club: Rabbitohs
SALARY: $800,000
The joint highest-paid player at the Rabbitohs. Not a bad outcome for Mitchell given the circumstances surrounding his arrival at Redfern this year. Mitchell had a shock bust-up with the Roosters after starring in the 2018 grand final. The NSW Origin ace has shown glimpses of match-winning class in red-and-green but has a long way to go to justify the club's huge outlay.
Club: Knights
SALARY: $800,000
Manly and Cronulla wanted the 31-year-old when the Roosters controversially released him at the end of 2017, but the Knights blew everyone out of the water with a four-year multi-million dollar deal. Two years into his deal and there's no denying Pearce has proven instrumental in the Knights rebuild. But legacies are built on results and after finishing 11th last year, Pearce must guide the Knights to the finals this year to validate his price tag.
Club: Eels
SALARY: $800,000
Probably the best value player in the entire NRL because the Penrith Panthers are paying almost half the contract for its entirety, a gift from Ivan Cleary who didn'۪t want him at the foot of the mountains after Phil Gould had signed him long-term. One of the form front-rowers in the competition, Campbell Gillard is under contract until 2022 with an option his way for 2023.
Club: Knights
SALARY: $800,000
It's hard to believe that Klemmer could still be at the Dogs had he not sort a release from the final two years of his contract at the end of 2018. What a decision that has been. The Test enforcer always felt he was underpaid at Canterbury and found a club in Newcastle willing to pay his asking price. Is he worth $800,000? You bet he is. No less than 15 rival clubs would love to have the tough prop in their side.
Club: Storm
SALARY: $800,000
Interestingly not the highest paid player on Melbourne Storm's registered contracts with the NRL because outside of the Brisbane Broncos in 2015, clubs have known he is happy in Melbourne and unlikely to leave. He is only about $800,000, however third party payments would ensure that he takes home the most money at the Storm. He signed a two-year deal at the beginning of the 2019 season.
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $815,000
Arrived at the Tigers on a heavily subsidised deal after salary-cap pressures forced him out of the Bulldogs. Mbye celebrated his Queensland Origin debut last year but he hasn't quite delivered on a weekly basis in the NRL given his enormous pay packet. Originally signed from Canterbury as a fullback or playmaker but has drifted out into the centres. Few centres in the game can match his salary.
Club: Eels
SALARY: $830,000
Quit the Wests Tigers to sign with the Parramatta Eels for 2018 on around $700,000. Has since been upgraded to the end of next year with an option his way for 2022 to justify his position among the best playmakers in the NRL. Could have signed with the Roosters but contract negotiations between his agent and Nick Politis broke down.
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $850,000
Rapidly developing into a poor investment. Brilliant in 2018 when helping Cronulla to a preliminary final at five-eighth, but it's been a steady decline ever since due to chronic hamstring injuries. His total of 16 appearances in the past two seasons equates to just under $53,000 per game.
Club: Knights
SALARY: $850,000
On the bubble of the top-20 highest-paid players, but not for long. This is the final season that the 22-year-old will earn anything less than $1 million per year, having recently agreed to an upgraded $4.5 million contract until 2024. A freakish talent who, with him in the side, is the difference between the Knights winning a premiership or without him, continuing their 20-year title drought
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $850,000
At the peak of his powers in 2017, Fifita surprised many when he opted against auctioning himself to the highest bidder to instead ink a four-year extension at the Sharks. On $850,000 per-year until the end of 2022, the decision has proven a masterstroke for Fifita, who as injuries start to dictate his training and impact, leaves Cronulla management nervous about their long-term investment.
Club: Sharks
SALARY: $850,000
Signed by Cronulla for four years from 2018 as their answer to replacing Jack Bird who quit the club for Brisbane. Cops flak from fans for his durability, but surprisingly has only missed three games since September 2018. Offering just under value for money of late due to his consistency, experience and versatility to play wing, centre and fullback.
Club: Tigers
SALARY: $850,000
The Tigers had every reason to celebrate when they snared Reynolds on a mega four-year deal. The Bulldogs squeezed him out and Reynolds was viewed as the dynamic five-eighth who could bring some spark to their flagging attack. But his signing has been a fizzer. Reynolds has played just 19 games in three seasons due to injuries and suspension. The Tigers have told him he is free to join another club.
Club: Dragons
SALARY: $850,000
Contribution of around half of Norman's $800,000 salary by his former club Parramatta was only applicable last season, the first year of his three-year deal. Saints are now paying full-freight for the fullback/five-eighth whose form at the Dragons can be best described as enigmatic.
Club: Storm
SALARY: $850,000
Two years ago the Queensland Maroons and Kangaroos five-eighth was the most sort after player in the NRL when he came off contract at the Storm. There were half a dozen clubs offering him up to $1 million to try to convince him to leave. The Parramatta Eels and the Knights were among the highest bidders but he stayed for about $3.4 million over four years, less than he could have got elsewhere.
Club: Sea Eagles
SALARY: $900,000
A Mona Vale Raiders junior who signed his $900,000 contract last year as he emerged as one of the top 10 players across the NRL and an automatic selection for the NSW Blues and the Kangaroos. He could probably have got more on the open market but was never going to leave the northern beaches and his beloved Brookvale Oval.
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $975,000
Hard to believe Bird is the 11th-highest paid player in rugby league. Luckless Bird hasn't provided value for money. Has played just 17 games in three seasons at Brisbane due to shoulder and sternum injuries and two knee reconstructions. But at the time of his signing in 2017, the Broncos had just lost Ben Hunt and were desperate for a big-name scalp. It just hasn't worked out.
Club: Roosters
SALARY: $1 million
Signed a four year deal at the Sydney Roosters - $800,000, $900,000, $1m (this year) and $1.1m in 2021. The club is currently in negotiations to extend the contract of the game's best player for another three years that would push him above Daly Cherry-Evans as the game's highest paid player. Roosters boss Nick Politis will ensure the 27-year-old champion plays out his career at the club.
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $1 million
The year was 2016 and the notion of a lifetime, 10-year contract for a player in the salary cap era was simply implausible. Then the Cowboys decided to think left field. Taumalolo was in hot demand after the Cowboys' premiership win and what better way to keep rivals at bay than by signing the 110kg wrecking ball for life? The Cowboys were criticised for handing Taumalolo a $10 million deal but it has proved to be money well spent. Taumalolo lives up to his pay packet every week with his ferocious charges.
Club: Broncos
SALARY: $1 million
The first and only million-dollar player in Brisbane's history. Milford signed his four-year deal in May, 2017 and originally the Broncos didn't want to offer him $1 million. Brisbane had tabled a $900,000-a-season offer, but at the eleventh hour, the Storm launched a poaching raid. Fearful of losing Milford, the Broncos upped the ante and sealed the deal. But ever since, Milford has struggled to deliver. Highly gifted but frustratingly inconsistent, Milford's price tag is a millstone around his neck.
Club: Cowboys
SALARY: $1 million
Seemed like good value when he was handed a new five-year deal after steering the Cowboys to the grand final in 2017. At the time, Morgan was the hottest property in the game with five Sydney clubs going hard for his signature. That forced the Cowboys to up the ante with a five-year, $5 million deal. But since becoming the club's top dog, Morgan has battled injuries and inconsistent form. Life after Johnathan Thurston has not been easy.
Club: Panthers
SALARY: $1 million
The NSW Origin halfback became a millionaire at 20 when he inked a five-year mega-deal with Penrith back in 2018. Signed to the Panthers until 2024, Cleary, 22, will pocket close to $5 million by the time his contract expires. Despite a few off-field hiccups, Cleary has already proven inside the Origin arena he has the elite-level qualities to demand his current salary. And if he can deliver Penrith their first premiership since 2003, the investment will be worth every cent.
Club: Bulldogs
SALARY: $1 million
In the grand final for one of the worst signings in the Canterbury club's history. That's not based on Foran's talent given his 2011 premiership ring and 21 Tests for New Zealand, but the return on investment (ROI) the Bulldogs have had from the 29-year-old. Before this season, injuries had capped his amount of games for the club to just 26 in two years - about $115,000 per appearance. This is the final year of his contract at Canterbury.
Club: Titans
SALARY: $1.025 million
Taylor went from a $200,000 deal to an instant millionaire when he inked a three-year contract in 2017. At the time, Taylor was on fire for the Titans and coming off rookie of the year honours in 2016. There was talk Wayne Bennett wanted him back at the Broncos, so the Titans tabled a massive deal to ensure he wouldn't leave. Ever since, he has failed to play to near his potential and temporarily quit the NRL last year to address some mental demons.
Club: Warriors
SALARY: $1.1 million
Nick Politis and the Sydney Roosters rarely lose a player they want to keep. Back in 2016 the Roosters offered the superstar fullback around $800,000 a year to stay at Moore Park. The Warriors went $200,000 over the top and convinced him to cross the Tasman to become the face of the franchise. He has since extended his contract until the end of the 2022 season on $1.1 million.
Club: Dragons
SALARY: $1.2 million
In the third season of a six-year $6 million dollar deal, Hunt is the second highest-paid player in the game after he was signed from Brisbane to become the Dragons on-field master and controller. The investment has failed miserably, with Hunt shifted this year to hooker in a bid to spark his form. However, of what should be of a greater concern for the management of the Dragons salary cap is that with first-choice dummy-half Cameron McInnes, who has been moved to lock, on around $450,000, Saints have close to $1.45 million tied-up in the position of hooker.
Club: Sea Eagles
SALARY: $1.25 MILLION
Signed the richest deal in NRL history - a $10 million life contract with the Manly Sea Eagles - back in 2015 when rugby league immortal Bob Fulton convinced him to backflip on the Gold Coast Titans. He had signed a contract with the Titans several months earlier and even purchased a house on the holiday strip to prepare for the move back to his home state. Also knocked back a huge offer from the Cronulla Sharks.
50-1 COMING SUNDAY JULY 26TH
The first instalment of the highest-earning players from 100 to 51 includes a stunning insight into the earnings of household names and the stars we watch every weekend.
You’ll be shocked that Broncos forward David Fifita — being offered a $1.2 million contract by the Gold Coast — is on $300,000 this season, and so missed the cut for this year’s Rich 100.
We learn the Top 100’s bottom half is made up of prop-forwards and back-rowers, and that despite winning three premierships and a Clive Churchill medal, Roosters playmaker Luke Keary is ranked outside the top 50.
He’s not alone. We discover representative and premiership-winning players including Josh Papalii (56), Josh Hodgson (60), Tyson Frizell (61) and Blake Ferguson (90) also sit outside the 50 highest-paid players.
Hugely influential in Parramatta’ s chances of winning this year’s premiership, Maika Sivo is ranked at 86th.
And if Penrith’s Apisai Koroisau wasn’t the buy of the season before, he is now. His $500,000 salary saw him scrape into the rich list at 93.
On Sunday, we’ll reveal the No.1-paid player in the NRL.
Cue the outrage.
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