NRL Rich 100 2022: $23 million free agency frenzy threatens to destroy heavyweight clubs

A $23 million free agency frenzy is set to tear at the fabric of several high-profile NRL clubs, with 41 stars from the Rich 100 to hit the market in 2023.

Grand finalists Penrith and South Sydney face being ripped apart by rival clubs who are circling ahead of a $23 million player frenzy come November 1.

There are 32 players from the NRL’s Rich 100 who will soon be free to negotiate their futures and clubs are scrambling to lock in their stars before they hit the open market.

Of those, the Panthers and Rabbitohs have emerged as the most likely to be impacted.

The Panthers have State of Origin representatives Stephen Crichton, 21, Liam Martin, 25, and Brian To’o, 23, off-contract at the end of next year.

What’s most concerning is that neither Martin or To’o feature in the Rich 100.

Although Penrith have started contract negotiations, their tight salary cap could mean their rivals blow them out of the water with big offers.

Crichton has already been linked to the Dolphins and Canterbury – with clubs being able to offer him something that Penrith cannot – a switch to fullback.

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Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton are two of Penrith’s most exciting players. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty

South Sydney are in the midst of delicate talks with a host of players including Latrell Mitchell, Damien Cook and Cody Walker, all of whom sit comfortably inside the Rich 100.

The club has made it clear they want to retain the trio and are keen to avoid a repeat of the Adam Reynolds situation which overshadowed their grand final run last year.

Mitchell is expected to join the million-dollar club when he inks his new deal while Cook is chasing a long-term contract.

The Rabbitohs are hesitant to offer the 31-year-old anything more than two years but Cook is aiming for three seasons.

Tom Burgess is also free to talk with rivals but won’t command the same attention.

More pressing for some players is that seven are yet to finalise their playing futures for next year.

NRL Rich 100 2023 free agents.

Cronulla’s Andrew Fifita is considering retirement while Brisbane’s Corey Oates, the Sydney Roosters’ Angus Crichton and Wests Tigers’ Joe Ofahengaue are expected to remain with their current clubs. The Storm inquired about bringing Jordan McLean back to Melbourne but he is likely to remain in North Queensland.

Gold Coast’s David Fifita will enjoy 2023 on the NRL Rich 100 before he takes a massive pay cut, regardless of where he signs his next deal.

Fellow free agents on November 1 include the likes of Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses, Dylan Brown and Adam Doueihi, who will be big movers in their next contracts.

On the flip side the likes of David Klemmer, Moses Mbye, Tyson Frizell and Corey Allan could move out of the Rich 100.

Matt Burton is set to command huge interest from rival clubs. Picture: Matt King/Getty

Veterans Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Tariq Sims, Josh Jackson and Shaun Johnson may retire at the end of next year.

Johnson’s future was clouded despite having 12 months on his deal but the New Zealand Warriors are committed to the halfback for at least one more year.

While Jack Wighton and Jack de Belin are expected to take up options at Canberra and St George Illawarra respectively, the same cannot be said for Canterbury’s Matt Burton.

He will now command at least $300,000 more than his current deal and if the Bulldogs cannot find the cash before November 1 he will become one of the most in-demand players on the market.

The Dragons are confident they will have captain Ben Hunt locked away well before he hits the market having started discussions surrounding a new two-year extension.