Stephen Crichton set to become highest-paid centre in NRL — here’s who he beat to the title

Stephen Crichton is set to become the highest-earning centre in the NRL, overtaking some seriously big names. See full list.

Penrith's Stephen Crichton poses for a portrait ahead of the 2020 NRL Grand Final at ANZ Stadium, Homebush. Picture: Brett Costello

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.

Kayo is your ticket to the best sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello

“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.

The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

NRL’S HIGHEST PAID CENTRES (full NRL Rich 100 here)

1 Stephen Crichton $750,000 (deal not yet confirmed)

2 Joey Manu $700,000

3 Joey Leilua $700,000

4 Dane Gagai $650,000

5 Jarrod Croker $600,000

6 Waqa Blake $550,000

7 Michael Jennings $500,000 (provisionally suspended)

Originally published as Stephen Crichton set to become highest-paid centre in NRL — here’s who he beat to the title