The upcoming rugby league World Cup, set to kick off in just two months, has unveiled a staggering pay disparity among players.
Players from participating nations who compete in every pool match, along with a semi-final and final, will receive a mere $4,250. In stark contrast, Australian players will earn nearly ten times that amount, regardless of their progression in the tournament.
This significant financial difference stems from an agreement between the ARL Commission (ARLC) and the Rugby League Players' Association.
The ARLC possesses the financial resources to offer each player $40,000 just for attending the tournament.
While other nations' governing bodies have the option to compensate their players over $850 per game, many are grappling with financial constraints.
The Rugby Football League, England's governing body, has highlighted ongoing issues related to player compensation, currently embroiled in a legal dispute with the International Rugby League concerning unpaid fees from the 2022 World Cup.