Top 10 Highest Paid NRL Players - Telstra Media

Cameron Smith

The Melbourne Storm captain, Cameron Smith, is reported to be the highest paid NRL player. The leading point scorer plays hooker, and is known for his key position in defence. He doesn’t miss a beat that Cameron Smith! He is rumoured to be paid a lovely $1 million for all of his great work on the field.

Robbie Farah

The West Tigers hooker, Robbie Farah, is rumoured to be earning $900k. Robbie has played a record 223 games for the West Tigers, and was a key player in the New South Wales victory in 2014’s State of Origin. It’s no wonder he gets such a lovely salary package!

Will Hopoate

The very humble Will Hopoate, who dedicated two years to his Mormon Mission prior to the commencement of his Rugby League career, is rumoured to be earning $800K per year. The Parramatta Eels fullback has also played centre in the NSW State of Origin team, as well as winning a grand final on the wing with Manly. He also comes from a family of talented NRL players. We wonder if we can borrow some of his talent?

Trent Merrin

The recent Penrith Panthers new recruit Trent Merrin is not only a significant player signing for the Panthers, but also one of the highest earning NRL players, with reported earnings of $750K a season. The lock forward won the 2010 NRL Grand Final with the St George Illawarra Dragons. Perhaps he will help secure another premiership win for the Panthers!

Josh Dugan

The controversial St George Illawarra Dragons player, who was sacked by the Canberra Raiders for multiple off field incidents, Josh Dugan is rumoured to be earning $700K a season. Dugan plays fullback or centre for the Dragons, and has achieved impressive form throughout his NRL career. He’s quite lucky for receiving such a generous salary!

Johnathan Thurston

The superhuman Johnathan Thurston is rumoured to earn $1 million. This highly deserving player has often been described as one of the best NRL players in the world! The impressive Cowboys five-eighth makes pretty much everyone’s Fantasy NRL team. Did you know that originally a number of clubs knocked him back because of his size? What a huge mistake for them!

Ben Barba

The 2012 Dally M Medal award winner, Ben Barba is another impressive player. Barba plays five-eighth for the Cronulla Sharks. He is also an extremely adaptable player that plays fullback when necessary. The very talented Barba is rumoured to be earning $800k, making him the 4th highest paid NRL player!

Greg Inglis

The extremely talented Greg Inglis is the captain and fullback of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He was presented the Golden Boot Award in 2009 by Rugby League World for being the ‘World’s Best Player’. The Rabbitohs received their first NRL Grand Final win in 43 years, which Greg participated in. He then went on to become captain of the team the next year. It’s no surprise he’s one of the highest paid NRL players. Inglis earns a rumoured $800K. We would do his signature Goanna crawl for that too!

Sam Tomkins

The Warriors fullback, Sam Tomkins, is known for his status in the Super League playing for the Wigan Warriors. The star was snatched up by the Warriors in 2014, when he received a world record for the highest transfer fee. Tomkins is rumoured to be receiving an amount of $750k per season. An outstanding pay for an outstanding man!

James Graham

James Graham of the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs plays as a prop. He also captains the club, and was one of the best players in the UK Super League before heading to Australia in 2012, playing in six Grand Finals with St Helens and winning one. Graham has also played 20 Tests for England and is rumoured to be receiving $700k per season. Lucky guy!