Major NRL players are poised for significant salary increases as a result of a new television broadcast agreement set to take effect in 2028.
The influx of cash from this deal is expected to enhance various aspects of the sport, particularly benefiting the athletes, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting that the salary cap might rise to between $18 million and $20 million, up from the current cap of approximately $12 million.
This salary cap allows clubs to manage their top 30 talent, meaning players with contracts expiring at the end of 2027 could see substantial pay increases once the new financial structure is in place.
For instance, Nathan Cleary, whose contract wraps up next year, could command an unprecedented $2 million, making him the first NRL player to reach that figure.
Cleary has not yet re-signed with the Panthers, fueling speculation that he might explore his market value and potentially become the league's highest-paid player.
The average player salary, currently around $400,000, is projected to rise to about $666,000 when the new deal activates, marking a significant financial breakthrough for the league.
With the introduction of two expansion teams, the Perth Bears and the PNG Chiefs, in the next two years, additional earning opportunities for players will emerge.
The PNG Chiefs are also offering tax-free incentives to attract players to the Melanesian nation during their initial years in the competition.
A number of other high-profile players, such as Hudson Young, Jacob Preston, and Latrell Mitchell, may also explore the market for their own pay rises after their contracts expire in 2027.