What Can You Get For $1 Million?

A recently published list of the top earning players in the NRL, coupled with some blow-out score lines, has again raised questions around salary cap management at some clubs. With marquee players now earning around the $1 million per season mark, it is timely to ask if clubs are getting value for their money.

Penrith have built their team around star halfback Nathan Cleary, and have found success with two grand final appearances. With Cleary at the centre of their club, the Panthers are on track to be in a third consecutive decider in 2022.  Chock full of local juniors, Penrith have one of the best salary cap management systems in the league.

Yet not all clubs are as fortunate as Penrith. Players such as Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Hunt, Payne Haas, Tom Trbojevic, David Fifita, Kalyn Ponga, Luke Brooks and Tevita Pangai are all reported to be around the million dollar a season mark, yet every single one of them will be watching the finals from their living room come September.

While one cannot begrudge players earning as much as they can in a relatively short employment window, it must be getting frustrating for fans. Yet there is no simple solution.  Struggling clubs sometimes need to pay ‘overs’ to attract a star player, but still need other quality players to lend support.  They may end up with a bunch of players in their top 30 earning towards the bottom end of the pay grade, which can impact any club if they get a run of injuries.

Similarly, it is easier for the more successful clubs to attract players or hold on to their stars due to the winning culture at those clubs.  Players have often stated over the years they stay at a club for less money as they enjoy being part of a winning team.  This makes it harder again for clubs trying to work their way up the ladder.

Clubs can’t just buy culture either.  It has to come from within and start from the head office.  Culture follows the leader.

With clubs all having the same salary cap to spend, the disparity between clubs like Penrith, Melbourne and the Roosters, and Wests Tigers and Newcastle is stark.  With the Dolphins entering the competition in 2023, there will be even higher offers for the best players, perpetuating the cycle.

Perhaps it is time for another look at the salary cap, and for the league administrators to explain to the fans how its existence at all can be justified.