LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a departure from the usual positive content, zerotackle.com has compiled a list of the top ten worst NRL contracts in recent history.
Despite the disclaimer to take the list with a grain of salt and acknowledge that the players likely do not care about the opinions expressed, the article taps into the public's fascination with negativity.
The writer acknowledges that the comments on negative lists tend to outnumber those on positive ones.
The lack of access to actual contract details means the rankings are based on widely reported information.
The article highlights some of the biggest financial blunders in the NRL.
One example is Ben Barba's contract with the Cronulla Sharks, where he received a significant payout after his contract was terminated due to off-field issues.
Another notable case is Jarryd Hayne's contract with the Gold Coast Titans, which reportedly had a clause that allowed him to leave the club without penalty if his coach was sacked.
The list also includes instances where players were signed on high salaries but failed to deliver on the field.
For example, Daly Cherry-Evans' reported $10 million contract with the Gold Coast Titans resulted in underwhelming performances, leading many to consider it a poor investment.
Similarly, the signing of Kieran Foran by the Canterbury Bulldogs on a $5 million deal raised eyebrows, especially considering his struggles with injury and form during his time at the club.
Despite the negative tone of the article, the writer emphasizes that it is meant to be taken in good fun.
The players mentioned likely do not lose sleep over such lists, as they have already reaped the financial benefits of their contracts.
The article serves as a cautionary tale for clubs and fans alike, highlighting the risks involved in handing out large contracts without a guarantee of performance.