The NRL's most underpaid players

the nrl's most underpaid stars

The NRL market is full of headline-catching seven-figure deals but there are also a host of bargains. Foxsports.com.au has analysed every club’s roster ahead of 2022 and highlighted the biggest bargain buys in the league.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

The Kiwi fullback has been one of the Raiders’ best players. The 26-year-old had similar metres-per-game to Tom Trbojevic and Dylan Edwards as well as having a better kick defusal percentage than Clint Gutherson, James Tedesco and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck since 2019.

stefano utoikamanu

The emerging prop made a smart move from the Eels to the Tigers, securing more game time after being stuck behind Parramatta’s strong pack. He started the 2021 season off the bench but proved he can be the leader of the Tigers’ young forward pack.

Daine Laurie

Laurie was a shining light for the Tigers in a woeful season, making 19 appearances before breaking his leg. He is a true bargain for the Tigers given his stats stack up with the top fullbacks, averaging more metres per game than Nicho Hynes and possessions than Latrell Mitchell.

anthony milford

Every NRL fan knows how good Milford was to watch during the Broncos’ 2015 season. In 2017 he signed a massive $4 million deal which came to an end in the 2021 season. He has now made the switch to the Rabbitohs on a deal worth a reported $350,000. He is a bargain if he can recapture his 2015 form.

ash taylor

Taylor has been one of the most scrutinised figures in rugby league. He received $3.2 million for his stay on the Gold Coast and has now made the move to the Warriors on a $1,000-per-week train and trial contract. This deal has the potential to be the buy of the season and NRL fans will be backing him in 2022.

Mat & MAx feagai

The Feagai twins are highly rated at the Dragons, and after being added to the top 30 roster, they will be hoping to secure starting spots during their tenure until the end of 2024. The twins are largely unproven in first grade, and are on an estimated $175,000 per-season.

reimis smith

Smith reportedly took a $100,000 pay cut to join the Storm. The move has worked out for the talented centre who was solid at best at the Bulldogs. The 24-year-old is estimated to earn $250,000-a-year, maximum, with Melbourne — and has certainly delivered.

Api koroisau

Koroisau has been a revelation for the Panthers, taking them from 9th place in 2019 to minor premiers in 2020 before eventually winning the premiership in 2021. His $470,000-a-year contract is a bargain in a league short of top-class hookers.

Mo Fotuaika

Fotuaika was brilliant for the Titans in 2020, earning himself a Maroons jersey in 2021. While he could command a big figure in the future, he is still only fresh and estimated to be earning around $350k as part of a back-ended deal. For one of the best young props in the comp that is a big win for the Titans.

Adam elliotT

Elliott is playing for his career after Ricky Stuart offered him a one-year lifeline at the Raiders. He will be a brilliant coup for the Raiders at a cut price if he can leave his off-field troubles behind him.

Cameron murray

Murray is a superstar of the game, and his $650,000-per-season contract is great value for a player integral to the Blues’ and Kangaroos’ setups. Compare his contract to Jake Trbojevic at Manly on $900,000 a season and he is an absolute bargain.

Words: Staff writers Producer: Stefan Centofanti In partnership with Learn more