NRL Rich 100: Which clubs are salary cap guns, and which are wastrels
Which NRL club has invested wisely in their spine? Who’s paying too much or for too many forwards? We dissect how your club spends their money and break down what space they have for 2023.
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So just how did your club spend its salary cap?
The Panthers have a clear plan – invest in your spine and that has proved dividends. But some other teams have what it seems like is a scattergun approach.
The Tigers have three players including Adam Doueihi, Luke Brooks and Jackson Hastings wanting to play two spots.
A News Corp investigation into the rich 100 dissects how your club spends their money and breaks down what space they have for 2023.
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PANTHERS
Paying $1.3 million for Nathan Cleary is a massive investment that’s yielded results. Three of the Panthers’ four spine players – Cleary, Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau – feature in the Rich 100, while fullback Dylan Edwards has proven tremendous value. They’ve been unable to retain Koroisau and edge forward Viliame Kikau beyond this year as they feel the salary cap squeeze that comes with premiership success, but they’ve made clear their intentions with investments in key forwards, James Fisher-Harris and Isaah Yeo. November 1 looms as a crucial time for the Panthers. Strike centre Stephen Crichton, who already features in the Rich 100, comes onto the open market for 2024, as does Origin stars Brian To’o and Liam Martin, who will both be requiring upgrades.
Rich 100 reps: 7
Nathan Cleary (1, $1.3m), Viliame Kikau (31, $760k), James Fisher-Harris (33, $750k), Isaah Yeo (45, $710k), Jarome Luai (58, $680k), Stephen Crichton (68, $615k), Apisai Koroisau (90, $510k)
COWBOYS
North Queensland have been the fairytale story of the NRL season and their resurgence has been built on Moneyball-style recruiting magic. The Cowboys have defied the need for heavy spine investment with new recruit Chad Townsend the only member of their playmakers in the Rich 100. The likes of Scott Drinkwater, Tom Dearden and Reece Robson have been outstanding this season on mid-range deals, while rising forwards Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter are still on virtual rookie deals. The challenge for the Cowboys is ahead of them with several of their young guns set to demand hefty pay rises to remain at the club, leaving the club vulnerable to big-money poaching raids. The Cowboys desperately needed their big earner Jason Taumalolo to deliver a return on investment this season and the Tongan torpedo has delivered.
Rich 100 reps: 6
Jason Taumalolo (15, $900k), Valentine Holmes (18, $875k), Jordan McLean (36, $750k), Chad Townsend (44, $710k), Luciano Leilua (74, $600k), Coen Hess (84, $550k)
SHARKS
In the final season of mainstays Andrew Fifita ($850k) and Wade Graham ($800k) featuring in the NRL Rich 100, the Sharks have done a stellar job in regenerating their roster. Josh Dugan, Shaun Johnson and Aaron Woods are gone from last year, while re-signing Matt Moylan on half of his 2021 salary to be now on a deal worth $400,000 has proven beneficial for both club and player, with the five-eighth in career best form.
Investments in the spine through halfback Nicho Hynes and Blayke Brailey, as well as forward leaders Cam McInness and Dale Finucane, have paid dividends. The issue is the Sharks’ starting back five are coming off contract at the same time and undeniably it will prove difficult to keep them all.
Rich 100 reps: 6
Andrew Fifita (19, $850k), Wade Graham (27, $800k), Dale Finucane (66, $625k), Nicho Hynes (72, $600k), Blayke Brailey (95, $500k), Cameron McInnes (100, $500k)
STORM
The Storm have spent nearly $2.5 million on their spine but their highest paid player is prop Jesse Bromwich, who is coming to the end of a legacy deal before he leaves for the Dolphins at the end of the season. His departure will make room for Harry Grant and Christian Welch to enter the Rich 100 next year as their new deals kick into gear. Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen will also go up in pay and the rankings. Bromwich’s departure at the end of the year will mean that Cameron Munster becomes the Storm’s highest ranked player as he crashes the top 10 in 2023, joining the million dollar club. Remarkably, he could soar into top spot in 2024 if he takes the big money on offer from the Dolphins.
Rich 100 reps: 7
Jesse Bromwich (7, $1.050m), Cameron Munster (11, $950k), Jahrome Hughes (35, $750k), Ryan Papenhuyzen (37, $750k), Felise Kaufusi (41, $725k), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (65, $625k), David Nofoaluma (91, $510k)
RABBITOHS
South Sydney are another club who have spent heavily on their spine, having devoted more than $2 million to Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Damien Cook. They are going nowhere, with Mitchell in particular set for a long stay in the Rich 100. His next deal from 2024 should see him join the million-dollar club given he is one of the elite players in the game. The Rabbitohs have also devoted a significant amount of their cap to captain Cameron Murray and it has been money well spent. The Rabbitohs skipper is a class act on and off the pitch. Campbell Graham and Keaon Koloamatangi will also push to enter the Rich 100 next year.
Rich 100 reps: 7
Latrell Mitchell (22, $850k), Cameron Murray (23, $850k), Tom Burgess (46, $700k), Damien Cook (47, $700k), Cody Walker (55, $700k), Jai Arrow (59, $650k), Kodi Nikorima (62, $650k)
BRONCOS
Arguably the kings of salary-cap management based on their current roster. They have no-one even close to a $1 million contract with skipper Adam Reynolds their highest-paid player on $800,000. Brisbane have done well considering they are still paying a portion of salaries for Tevita Pangai Jnr (Canterbury) and Matt Lodge (Roosters). At No. 29, the champion halfback is a shrewd investment and the Broncos are getting major bang for buck out of metre-eating machine Payne Haas, who is the 13th highest-paid prop and ranked 40th overall. Only one member of their spine (Reynolds) is in the Rich 100, a tribute to Brisbane’s ability to make the playoffs with a well-balanced squad. Former Penrith premiership-winner Kurt Capewell is another handy investment and at $180,000, wing sensation Selwyn Cobbo has been one of the finds of the season.
Rich 100 reps: 6
Adam Reynolds (29, $800k), Payne Haas (40, $748k), Kotoni Staggs (52, $700k), Tom Flegler (61, $650k), Kurt Capewell (83, $550k), Corey Oates (102, $500k)
EELS
Their 1-6-7 all sit comfortably on the rich list but that has cost them hooker Reed Mahoney. Mahoney will jump onto the list next year when he joins the Bulldogs. Have also splashed big-game on their forwards and have overspent given the balance of their squad. Nathan Brown has languished in reserve grade despite earning $600,000 this season. Origin reps Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Junior Paulo and Ryan Matterson help set up a strong forward pack. Waqa Blake is their top earner when it comes to centre/wing but is still being paid from the Panthers. Have also lost Isaiah Papali’i but will welcome Josh Hodgson next season. Have money still to spend.
Rich 100 reps: 8
Mitchell Moses (10, $950k), Clint Gutherson (25, $800k), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (34, $750k), Dylan Brown (60, $650k), Junior Paulo (63, $650k), Nathan Brown (69, $600k), Ryan Matterson (75, $600k), Waqa Blake (89, $540k)
ROOSTERS
A whopping seven players worth a combined $5.2m feature in the top 100, taking up well over half their salary cap. And that doesn’t include pro-rata buy Matt Lodge, who is hoping for an extension. Only James Tedesco and Luke Keary feature from their spine, but that will change with Brandon Smith’s arrival next year, and Sam Walker due for an upgrade. Wise money has been spent on Joey Manu – who is a $1m player at any other club – while Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is still value despite his age. Sio Siua Taukeiaho is leaving at season’s end, freeing up some funds for Lodge and Smith. Teen sensation Joseph Suaalii is the other big name not on this list... yet.
Rich 100 reps: 8
James Tedesco (5, $1.1m,) Matt Lodge* (13, $950k), Luke Keary (21, $850k), Joey Manu (43, $720k), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (54, $700k), Angus Crichton (57, $680k), Sio Siua Taukeiaho (67, $625k), Victor Radley (92, $510k)
RAIDERS
The Raiders have huge money tied up in Jack Wighton, while the salaries of Joseph Tapine, Josh Papalii and Josh Hodgson have restricted the club’s spread of talent to date. Nick Cotric’s salary appears exorbitant, but his former club, the Bulldogs are chipping in. Canberra are running with one of the cheaper halfbacks in the NRL in Jamal Fogarty ($500k) and on even less is dummy-half (Tom Starling $220k) and rookie fullback Xavier Savage ($120k). A new contract for Tapine beyond 2023, plus Wighton and Papalii, on long-term deals, will continue to restrict the club’s blue-chip spend.
Rich 100 reps: 6
Jack Wighton (17, $900k), Joseph Tapine (38, $750k), Josh Hodgson (42, $720k), Josh Papalii (50, $700k), Nick Cotric (70, $600k), Elliott Whitehead (77, $590k)
SEA EAGLES
Manly are the only club in the Rich 100 with three players in the top 20 – Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic and Jake Trbojevic. Cherry-Evans is in the midst of a long-term deal that was extended earlier this year until the end of 2025, meaning he will remain a member of the Rich 100 for the foreseeable future. The same applies to the Trbojevic boys, who are the heart and soul of the Sea Eagles. Marty Taupau will leave the club at the end of the season and the club will use his money to upgrade the deals of Haumole Olakau’atu and Josh Schuster. Expect one or both to enter the Rich 100 in coming years, although the Sea Eagles will need to be smart with their cap to keep the pair given the squeeze on spare cash has already cost them five-eighth Kieran Foran.
Rich 100 reps: 4
Daly Cherry-Evans (2, $1.2m), Tom Trbojevic (6, $1.1m), Jake Trbojevic (16, $900k), Marty Taupau (53, $700k)
DRAGONS
Frozen to recruit due to massive deals sitting on their cap that include Ben Hunt, Jack de Belin, Zac Lomax, Tariq Sims, Jaydn Su’A, Jack Bird, Moses Suli, Francis Molo. The huge salaries of Moses Mbye and Josh McGuire also dent the Dragons cap, but are offset by the fact their previous clubs are still paying for a large portion of their earnings. With the majority of money tied-up in their pack, it has left the Dragons being able to afford rookies in the key positions of five-eighth (Junior Amone) and fullback (Cody Ramsey).
Rich 100 reps: 10
Ben Hunt (3, $1.1m), Moses Mbye (14, $900k), Jack de Belin (32 ($750k), 49 Zac Lomax (49, $700k), Tariq Sims (64, $650k), Jaydn Su’A (76, $600k), Jack Bird (79, $550k), Moses Suli (88, $550k), Josh McGuire (99, $500k), Francis Molo (101, $500k)
BULLDOGS
Have a mixed bag here. They are getting exceptional value out of Matt Burton who is no. 82 on the rich list while Josh Addo-Carr’s $500,000 contract is always bringing plenty to the club. Burton is the only member of the club’s spine on the list and it shows how much they have struggled in attack at times this year.
The other players on the list have struggled to make an impact. Corey Allan is playing reserve grade while Jack Hetherington lasted just three games. Luke Thompson has had concussion issues but is still an elite player although would be considered to be overpaid. Pangai Jr is still collecting pay from the Broncos with his market value well below the $925,000 he will pocket this year. Will welcome Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney to the club next year.
Rich 100 reps: 6
Tevita Pangai Jr (12, $925k), Luke Thompson (39, $750k), Jack Hetherington (85, $550k), Matt Burton (82, $550k), Josh Addo-Carr (93, $500k) and Corey Allan (94, $500k)
WARRIORS
Here’s a worrying statistic. The struggling Warriors have the most players of any club in the top 30 salaries with four when you include Matt Lodge, who recently joined the Roosters but received a huge payout from the Kiwi club. Incredibly, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is on $800,000 playing on the wing, but the Warriors are only paying $400,000 of a deal that is subsidised by his former club the Bulldogs. Shaun Johnson ($500,000) is the only member of the spine to sneak into the Rich 100 at No.98, underlining the Warriors’ problem area and why they are NRL also-rans for another season.
Rich 100 reps: 5
Matt Lodge (13, $900k), Addin Fonua-Blake (20, $850k), Tohu Harris (24 $810k), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (30, $800k), Shaun Johnson (98, $500k)
KNIGHTS
The only club without a five-eighth or halfback in the top 100 – and it shows, with the Knights owning the league’s worst attack. That unwanted tag is highlighted by the lack of input from their biggest investment in star captain Kalyn Ponga, who has played just 14 games this year and is fourth highest paid player in the league. Their decorated forward pack of David Klemmer, Tyson Frizell and Daniel Saifiti should also be the envy of the league, but have underperformed for the struggling outfit.
Rich 100 reps: 6
Kalyn Ponga (No. 4, $1.1m), David Klemmer (28, $800k), Tyson Frizell (48, $700k), Daniel Saifiti ($700k), Jayden Brailey (80, $550k), Dane Gagai (96, $500k)
TITANS
The Gold Coast’s salary cap is a mess and the poor balance could hurt them for years to come. Five of the top six highest-paid players at the Titans are forwards, with the likes of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Jarrod Wallace, Mo Fotuaika and David Fifita eating up $3.65 million of their salary cap. The Titans will free up $700,000 of their cap with the departure of Wallace to the Dolphins and they need to redirect that cash to the halves. The Broncos did precisely that when they released Matt Lodge and Tevita Pangai Jnr to fund the purchase of halfback Adam Reynolds. The Titans simply need more out of Fifita to justify a $1 million deal which is impacting their cap space to buy a matchwinning creator at hooker.
Rich 100 reps: 6
David Fifita (No. 8, $1m), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (26, $800k), Jarrod Wallace (56, $700k), Mo Fotuaika (71, $600k), Isaac Liu (86, $550k), AJ Brimson (81, $550k).
TIGERS
Chipping in for two players who play at rivals including $450,000 for Moses Mbye to be at the Dragons and David Nofoaluma to finish the year in Melbourne. Luke Brooks sits in the top 10 of the Rich List but on form would struggle to crack the top 50 players this year. That hurts their chances. Injuries also meant Brooks and fellow top earners Adam Doueihi and Jackson Hastings started just two games together. It doesn’t help that three of their top earners want to play in two positions. Joe Ofahengaue is the only forward on the list but has shown his worth this year. Will have Isaiah Papali’i and Api Koroisau as handy rich additions next year.
Rich 100 reps: 5
Luke Brooks (No. 9, $960k), Adam Doueihi (78, $560k), Joe Ofahengaue (87, $550k), Jackson Hastings (97, $500k), David Nofoaluma (91, $500k)
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