Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield reveals what every Queensland club’s roster is really worth

While the 2023 Brisbane side is littered with talent, their northern rivals prove there is no substitute for success. Phil Rothfield reveals why the Cowboys are worth more than the Broncos.

Buzz Rothfield reveals what every club’s roster is really worth.

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The superstar Sydney Roosters roster is now worth more than $13m – at least $1.5m more than the salary cap.

Our analysis of the true value of more than 500 NRL players at the 17 clubs reveals the Roosters are “on paper” worth almost $5m more than newcomers the Dolphins.

There are no suggestions the Roosters are rorting the NRL’s $11.5m salary cap, this is more about the attraction of playing for a powerful club under three-time premiership-winning coach Trent Robinson and influential chairman Nick Politis.

Colleague Brent Read and myself valued the rosters of every club. And to be crystal clear, this is not what these players are paid but what we think they would be worth on the open market right now.

That’s why we have Tigers halfback Luke Brooks at $600,000 when he’s being paid $1m in the final year of his contract this season.

The valuations expose an alarming gap between the premiership heavyweights the Roosters, Panthers, Rabbitohs and Storm over a handful of weaker NRL clubs, threatening the possibility of a season of blowouts.

Herbie Farnworth will add value to the Dolphins roster next year. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

CASH COWS

The Dolphins have been unable to sign a marquee player, having missed out on the likes of Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga, Brandon Smith, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes and are rated at just $8.7m.

It shows the Roosters are even worth $1m more than premiers the Penrith Panthers.

They have two players worth $1m or more – James Tedesco and Joey Manu – plus a host of others valued at above $700,000 – Joseph Suaalii, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Brandon Smith, Angus Crichton, Luke Keary and Victor Radley.

The full list of values shows why Penrith had to offload hooker Api Koroisau and second-rower Viliame Kikau from the squad that has won the past two grand finals.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WHAT EVERY CLUB’S ROSTER IS REALLY WORTH

Even without them, the Panthers are worth $12.38m – way above the $11.5m cap like the Roosters.

Champion halfback Nathan Cleary is now rated a $1.5m player – the most valuable in the competition, $100,000 more than Latrell Mitchell at the Rabbitohs.

The Panthers also have fullback Dylan Edwards, five-eighth Jarome Luai, centre Stephen Crichton, second-rower Liam Martin, prop James Fisher-Harris and lock Isaah Yeo worth more than $700,000.

2023 MARKET MOVERS

Obviously the values can change year to year.

For example, in the same exercise this time last year, the North Queensland Cowboys were valued at just $8.02m when many were tipping them to win the wooden spoon.

They are now rated a $3.86m stronger team.

The likes of Jeremiah Nanai and Rueben Cotter were rated under $300,000 last year.

This time, as Kangaroos members at the World Cup, Nanai is $800,000 and Cotter $700,000.

The value of almost every player in their squad increased on the back of their outstanding performances last season.

Our analysis shows the South Sydney Rabbitohs are number three in true playing strength at $12.285m behind the Roosters and Panthers.

They have two million-dollar players – Mitchell and Cameron Murray.

They also have Cody Walker worth $820,000, second-rower Keaon Koloamatangi at $750,000 and Jai Arrow $730,000.

THE STRAGGLERS

However, the enormous gap in the quality and values of the weaker sides is a huge concern for the possibility of blowout scorelines.

Then again, the Cowboys proved us all wrong last season.

The analysis shows the Dolphins will definitely struggle.

Their highest-rated player is second-rower Felise Kaufusi on $700,000.

Their entire three-quarter line – Jamayne Isaako, Tesi Niu, Brenko Lee and Edrick Lee - is worth just a combined $905,000.

The same four positions at Penrith are valued at $2.3m.

The Dolphins will at least add Herbie Farnsworth and Tom Flegler next year from the Broncos.

Their experienced recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan insists he is not concerned.

WHAT EVERY NON-QUEENSLAND CLUB’S ROSTER IS REALLY WORTH

“We were always building for the long-term future,” he said.

“You can’t go spending money just for the sake of it.

“Unless we have a player to improve our roster, we’re saving it for the likes of Herbie.

“We will eventually get there.”

The Knights are another team we expect to struggle. Their roster is worth $9.47m – $2m under the salary cap.

And we have been generous in rating their skipper Kalyn Ponga at $1m despite his mediocre performances in the past couple of seasons.

Despite an off-season of high drama and a terrible Charity Shield performance, the St George Illawarra Dragons are not the worst side.

Through the likes of Ben Hunt ($900,000), Zac Lomax ($800,000), Jack Bird ($700,000) and Jaydn Su’A ($700,000) there is enough quality to build a competitive side and possible finals contender.

Especially when you throw in hard-nosed middle forwards Blake Lawrie and Jack de Belin and the game-breaking qualities of centre Moses Suli. Time will tell.

NOTE: click on the individual player tabs to see their value before seeing each team’s salary cap total. Player and positions in top 17 subject to change. This won’t affect salary cap totals.