Reports indicate that Kalyn Ponga, the Newcastle Knights' star fullback, may command a staggering $1.5 million annually in his next NRL contract.
Currently sidelined due to injury, there's no doubt he ranks among the top players in the league when fit.
With his experience representing Queensland in State of Origin and the likelihood of playing for New Zealand after recent changes to eligibility rules, his contract is set to expire at the end of next year.
As elite players become increasingly scarce due to league expansion and a rising salary cap, Ponga's potential contract could surpass that of his new teammate Dylan Brown, who is reportedly earning $1.3 million after transferring from the Parramatta Eels.
"Probably $1.5 million," stated journalist Brent Read on NRL 360.
"He's always said he wants to win a comp at the Knights. He hasn't done that yet but with how they're playing this year and the amount of talent coming through, I think he can maybe see himself winning a comp there."
Read also noted that the Knights have yet to begin negotiations regarding Ponga's future, opting to wait until he returns from injury and can show his form in Round 1.
"He's a free agent on November 1. Obviously the Knights want to see him play some footy again, he's missed a lot of footy but there's a view in Newcastle that if he can come back and replicate how he played in Round 1, they'll definitely look to extend him long term," Read added.