State of Origin 2023: Queensland Maroons players’ first contracts and how they spent them

See what second job Valentine Holmes worked in his rookie year and how his Maroons teammates spent their first NRL paychecks.

CARS, SHOES & BOOZE - What Queensland's Origin stars spent their first NRL contracts on.

They are among the highest-paid athletes in the country, some earning upwards of $1 million a year to play in the NRL.

But Queensland’s State of Origin stars come from humble beginnings, with most of their first contracts worth a fraction of what they’re earning now.

From push bikes to cars and clothes, and even a few drinks, this is what the Maroons were first paid in the NRL and how they spent their first contracts.

Cameron Munster

“It was a couple of thousand bucks. My first job was at Rebel Sports in Rockhampton and I went and bought myself a BMX bike.”

Cameron Munster bought a bike with his first contract money.

Daly Cherry-Evans spent his first contract money, from the Dragons, on beer.

Daly Cherry-Evans

“The first time I ever got money for a football contract was in 2007. I got $500 from the Dragons. I was a development player. I was playing for Brothers in Queensland and I went down to play a game in Wollongong against a Dragons junior side. The Dragons must have liked me, because they gave me a $500 scholarship or whatever you want to call it. I got paid it at the end of the year and by then I was back in Brisbane playing for Wests Colts. I took that $500 out for our end-of-season trip to the Sunshine Coast. I spent it on booze, it was like schoolies.”

Pat Carrigan

“I was 17 and signed it with Wayne Bennett at the Broncos. I used to get $200 a month. I never even saw the money. The boys would look forward to payday and I was getting about $210. I had a job at the Rocklea Markets doing slave labour. Everyone was going on about payday but I didn’t even know what day of the month it was.”

Harry Grant

“My first contract was in under-20s with Melbourne. I wish I spent it on a house on the Sunny Coast as that’s where I was living. That would have been a good investment. I probably spent it on a few beers.”

Pat Carrigan worked at Rocklea Markets.

Harry Grant wishes he spent his money on property.

Queensland Origin star Ben Hunt wasn't allowed to touch his money.

Ben Hunt

“It was with the Broncos, I got a scholarship at 12 and my first contract at 15. Mum and dad would have put the money away somewhere and not let me touch it.”

Tom Gilbert

“I was 15 with the Cowboys and Clint Zammit gave it to me. I can’t remember the exact amount but it would have been a few grand at most. I do remember using the money to save up for my first car. I bought a Mazda 3 and I’ve still got it. I still drive it. It’s a 2014 model, a little hatchback. I put all my savings towards it.”

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

“My first contract was when I was 16. I was getting $700 a month from the Cowboys. The first thing I did was run down to the shops to buy some cool clothes. I wanted some fresh kit and I told my parents I’m off to the shops to buy some gear. I felt like I was rich.”

Valentine Holmes

“The Sharks signed me for under-20s after I’d just left school. I didn’t get anything for the first year, just a living away from home allowance. I worked for Rossco Signs, putting up signs. The second year I got about $5000.”

Tom Gilbert still has his Mazda 3.

Queensland Origin star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow splashed out on new threads.

Valentine Holmes only got a living away from home allowance with his first deal.

Queensland Origin star Tino Fa'asuamaleuai through the years.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

“It was with the Broncos, I was with them for a number of years. It was either $1000 or $2000 and some boots. I probably didn’t see the money.”

Christian Welch

“I was first year out of high school and going to UQ (University of Queensland). I signed an under-20s deal with the Storm for $5000. I met Paul Bunn (Storm recruitment manager) at a cafe in Stafford to sign the deal. I spent it on living expenses, Melbourne’s not cheap. It was enough to get me by and the odd flight home.”

Tom Flegler

“I was 15 and signed with the Broncos. I can’t remember what it was worth or what I spent it on. I probably wasn’t allowed to spend it.”

Melbourne's real estate market ate up most of Christian Welch's first deal.

Queensland Origin star Tom Flegler signed when he was 15.

Originally published as State of Origin 2023: Queensland Maroons players’ first contracts and how they spent them