Richmond Tigers star Dustin Martin has retained his position as the highest-paid player in the AFL, while Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has climbed to the top of the NRL Rich 100 list, according to the annual rankings compiled by News Corp.
Martin, 31, is contracted to Richmond until the end of 2024 on a deal worth around $1.2m to $1.3m per season, part of a $9m contract – the largest in the club's history. He is followed in the AFL list by Nat Fyfe, Jeremy McGovern, Tim Kelly, Marcus Bontempelli, and others.
In the NRL, Ponga, 25, re-signed with Newcastle last year on a five-year, $5m deal, keeping him at the club until 2027. The top ten also includes Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, and Luke Brooks.
The lists reveal a record 22 players earning $1m or more this season. AFL players collectively earn $82m, surpassing the NRL's $77m. Over 25% of the highest earners are aged 25 or under.
Notable omissions include Collingwood's Nick Daicos, the Brownlow Medal favourite, and Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh. Sydney Roosters have the highest NRL representation with ten players, including 19-year-old Joseph Suaalii, who will earn $1.6m per season when he switches to rugby union in 2025.
