The 2023 NRL grand final was one of the best ever. No footy fan will ever forget how the Penrith Panthers overcame a record margin in a premiership decider to score 18 unanswered points on the way to defeating the Brisbane Broncos 26-24 in a real nailbiter.
But that was last year, and while the Panthers will be looking to ‘four-peat’ this time around, several other teams are in with a shout including the Broncos, Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters.
To try and make this happen, most of the teams in the league have given some of their star players huge salaries and contracts. So, who earns the most we hear you ask?
Here are the 15 highest paid NRL Players for the 2024 season according to SportsBet.
15. James Fisher-Harris
The intimidating Kiwi enforcer has been an instrumental figure in Penrith’s three consecutive premiership victories, not to mention the New Zealand national team.
Known for his domineering presence on the field he has been rewarded for his notable performances in the form of a lucrative 3 year contract which sees him take home a very tidy $950k per year. Even though he is paid handsomely, some would argue he should appear higher up on this list.
Team: Penrith Panthers
Salary: $950k
Position: Prop
14. Harry Grant
Considered by many as one of the top number nine in the game, it’s no surprise to see the Melbourne hooker earn a seven-figure salary per season.
After patiently waiting for his chance in the Queensland Cup, Grant made a big impact in the NRL, initially on loan at the Tigers and then with his parent club, the Melbourne Storm.
Despite being a regular member of both the Queensland Origin and Australian Test teams, Grant will be seeking to demonstrate his worth in 2024 following a largely disappointing 2023 season for the Storm that was generally recognised as being underwhelming by their high standards.
Team: Melbourne Storm
Salary: $1 million
Position: Hooker
13. David Fifita
Although David Fifita’s NRL contract has reduced slightly, he is still earning a whopping $1 million per season, which is not to be sniffed at.
In 2021, when he was only 21, the Gold Coast had to spend a lot of money to get him to move from Brisbane. However, it took him a bit of time to settle, so it wasn’t until last season that he started showing his worth in the Glitter Strip franchise.
His performances even earned him a recall to the Queensland State of Origin side in 2023. He, along with fans of the club, will no doubt be hoping his performances for the Titans justify his salary this season.
Team: Gold Coast Titans
Salary: $1 million
Position: Second Row
12. Latrell Mitchell
Latrell Mitchell is one of the most prominent and exciting figures in the modern rugby league, which is reflected in his recent contract upgrade that has propelled him to be among the top 15 highest-paid players in the NRL for 2024.
Despite being plagued by injuries and suspensions in the last few seasons, South Sydney Rabbitohs supporters are hoping that he can fulfil his potential and stay fit and available in 2024.
If he can hit his top form, Latrell can certainly justify his million-dollar salary and be a significant asset in the Rabbitohs’ comeback efforts in 2024.
Team: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Salary: $1 million
Position: Centre, Fullback, Wing
11. Addin Fonua-Blake
After playing a crucial role in the Warriors’ success in 2023, Fonua-Blake has definitely earned his reputation as one of the best forwards in Rugby League.
As a result, it has been reported that Warriors’ player, Fonua-Blake, will be earning a whopping $1 million during his last season with the Auckland-based team in 2024. Not only that, but Fonua-Blake is expected to become one of the highest-paid props in the game, signing a four-year deal with the Sharks worth over $4 million per year.
Team: New Zealand Warriors
Salary: $1 million
Position: Prop
10. James Tedesco
Affectionately known in the game as Teddy, James Tedesco comes in at tenth on this list.
Tedesco plays as a fullback for Roosters, as well as for NSW and Australia. He is always active on the field and is known for his clutch performances. Despite facing criticism in some quarters for his performances in 2023, he is still considered as one of the top performers of the competition.
However, in 2024, he will have a lot to prove as several young, talented fullbacks have emerged, putting pressure on his position. Additionally, he needs to demonstrate that he is worth the $1.1 million contract that has been committed to him for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Team: Sydney Roosters
Salary: $1.1 million
Position: Fullback
9. Tom Trbojevic
Up next is Turbo Tom, the Manly fullback who has rightfully earned his place in the top 10 highest earners in the game with some thrilling performances last year.
Unfortunately, a series of injuries has prevented this dynamic player from achieving a position higher up this list. However, he still has plenty of credit in the bank from his outstanding 2021 season, which saw him take home the Dally M medal.
For this reason, when fully fit, he is always one of the first names on Anthony Seibold’s Manly team sheet.
Team: Manly Sea Eagles
Salary: $1.1 million
Position: Fullback
8. Nicho Hynes
On the back of winning the Dally M award in 2022, Nicho Hynes has become one of the top 10 highest-paid players in the NRL.
Renowned for his excellent and consistent performances for the Sharks over the past two years, the versatile Hynes can play at fullback, halfback or five-eighth. Which is why he is such a valuable member of Cronulla’s outfit.
To reflect this, he recently signed a contract with the Sharks, which is reportedly the most lucrative deal in the team’s history – netting him an eye-watering $7 million over the next six seasons.
Team: Cronulla Sharks
Salary: $1.1 million
Position: Fullback, Halfback, Five-eighth
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
Back in 2015, Daly Cherry-Evans, famously known as DCE, agreed to join the Gold Gold Titans, after four years with the Eagles. However, he had a change of heart and backed out of his contract with them during the cooling off period. Instead, he signed a lucrative eight year extension deal with the Sea Eagles to keep him as a one club man.
Now 35 years old, Daly doesn’t have many years left in him. Yet, his contract remains one of the most lucrative in NRL history, currently placing him at seven on this list.
It is hard to argue that this contract is not deserved. Daly has proven his worth as the Australian and Queensland halfback, and has been one of the most consistent performers in the NRL over the past twelve seasons.
Team: Manly Sea Eagles
Salary: $1.2 million
Position: Halfback
6. Mitchell Moses
Parramatta’s exciting playmaker Mitchell Moses has recently climbed up to the top ten highest paid players in NRL in 2024. This is due to his new contract with the Eels, which he signed and will keep him there until 2029, earning him a cool 1.2 million a year.
The salary negotiations were protracted and there were a few ‘will he sign, won’t he sign’ moments. But with all the contract issues finally resolved, the team is hoping that Moses’ high salary will translate into more victories and maybe even into a finals berth in 2024.
Team: Parramatta Eels
Salary: $1.2 million
Position: Halfback
5. Payne Haas
The highest-paid player in the Broncos team is Payne Haas, the big man in the front position.
Many people consider Haas to be the best forward player in the game right now and point to several of his performances on the field last year to back it up.
In 2023, Haas dominated the forwards, and this played a vital role in helping the Broncos reach the grand final. If he can keep his standards this season, and with a little help from his teammates, the Broncos will have a real shot of clinching the premiership this year.
Team: Brisbane Broncos
Salary: $1.2 million
Position: Prop
4. Tino Faāasuamaleaui
The highest-paid forward in the rugby league is Tino Faāasuamaleaui, the captain of Titans and an Origin regular for Queensland, who takes home a whopping $1.2 million annually. Which is remarkable considering he only started playing first grade five years ago.
Possessing one of the finest mullets in the game, Tino was born in Orange, NSW. However, he later moved to Gympie in Queensland where his brother Iszac, who also plays for the Titans was born.
During his career, he has played for both the Samoan and Australian national sides. He also won the premiership back in 2020 with the Melbourne Storm and is currently on a ten year contract.
Team: Gold Coast Titans
Salary: $1.2 million
Position: Lock
3. Cameron Munster
Cameron Munster, the self-proclaimed ‘mad dog’ and Queensland hero and Storm standoff takes the third spot on this list.
A bidding war between Melbourne and The Dolphins to secure Munster’s signature resulted in the Storm paying him a whopping $1.3 million a year.
During his time at the Melbourne Storm he has won two premierships. He has also become the incumbent five-eighth for Queensland and Australia, and a leader on the pitch for all of the teams he represents. It’s fair to say he is worth every penny.
Team: Melbourne Storm
Salary: $1.3M
Position: Five-eighth
2. Nathan Cleary
After his heroics in instigating the biggest comeback ever in an NRL Grand Final last year, some people might be surprised to see Cleary not take out top spot on this list.
Arguably the best player in the game right now, it is hard to believe the son of Ivan is only 26, considering he made his professional debut in 2016.
If the ‘Iceman’ leads the Panthers to a fourth premiership in a row, and puts in another Clive Churchill medal winning performance, he will have every right to seek out the top brass for a substantial payrise.
Team: Penrith Panthers
Salary: $1.3 million
Position: Halfback
1. Kalyn Ponga
Retaining his place from last year as the highest earner in the NRL is Kalyn Ponga. The former wunderkind is about to turn 25, yet the superstar fullback is justifying his market leading salary by being the current Dally M Medal.
The Knights identified him as one of the most electric and naturally gifted players around and threw the kitchen sink to his contract, tying him to a multi-year, $1.4 million-a-season deal.
His mid-season return to the Knights after his fourth concussion in ten months took Newcastle from bottom four to 5th on the NRL ladder. If he can stay healthy, they might just make it to the Grand Final this season.
Team: Newcastle Knights
Salary: $1.4 million
Position: Fullback