Sunday night's sold-out match at CommBank was every bit as compelling as any State of Origin game I have watched.
That makes the pay gap difficult to justify: Australian players receive a flat $40,000 for the tournament, while players from other nations get $850 per game.
A skilled country-grade footballer can earn more in a local A-grade match watched by family and friends.
Representing your country is about more than money, and lower payments may be reasonable for developing teams with few established NRL stars.
But Tonga and Samoa now field star-studded squads and have earned the right to match the Kangaroos' rate.
The Kiwis should receive the same consideration.
State of Origin players are paid $30,000 per game, yet Sunday's contest matched that competition for quality.