Squads aiming for the premiership are not only built around high-profile players with large contracts.
With the NRL salary cap set at $11.95 million and clubs allocating more than 25% of that to marquee positions, effective management of the remaining cap space is essential for the Top 30 roster.
In the NRL, clubs typically allocate 25-35% of their salary cap to the Back 5. By spending less on the Back 5 without sacrificing quality, teams could funnel more resources into securing or retaining elite halves or forwards, crucial for championship contention.
This budget-friendly Back 5 offers NRL teams a valuable yet affordable backline without compromising on performance.
The value ratio
Fullback has traditionally been one of the priciest positions, with some clubs spending over a million dollars annually. Top players like James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, and Kalyn Ponga are prime examples of this upper tier.
The moneyball case
After agreeing to a reduced contract at Cronulla due to salary cap constraints, Kennedy operates at about 30% of the marquee market value while delivering nearly elite-level output as a fullback.
Kennedy is a skilled ball player, especially in block plays, an excellent support runner, and showcases solid positional awareness, reflecting his outstanding value in the fullback role.
The value ratio
Top yardage wingers such as Brian To'o and Xavier Coates often command salaries of $700,000 or more.
The moneyball case
Sunia Turuva, earning between $150k and $250k less than elite yardage wingers, offers remarkable value through his impressive running meters and post-contact performance.