The 2026 NRL season is nearly upon us, so it's time to see who will be raking in the big bucks.

With the NRL salary cap growing every year, so do the size of the players pay packets. But who’s taking home the most? 

*All top-15 earners are roughly between $950K and $1.3M+ per season and figures are mostly from club contracts under the salary cap and may exclude third-party income.

NRL Highest Paid Player 2026 - Dylan Brown - $1.3 Million

Team: Newcastle Knights

Dylan Brown sits at the top of the NRL pay scale in 2026 largely because elite, game-controlling halves are the most valuable commodity in rugby league. As a dynamic five-eighth with a strong running game, kicking ability and composure in big moments, Brown directly influences attacking structure and match outcomes every week. Newcastle’s long-term investment reflects both his on-field impact and the premium clubs place on securing a franchise playmaker in a salary-cap system where top-tier halves are scarce. His deal also factors in leadership value, durability and marketability, making him a cornerstone signing worth over $1.3 million per season.

All top-15 earners are roughly between $950K and $1.3M+ per season.

Figures are mostly from club contracts under the salary cap and may exclude third-party income.

We’ve seen plenty of cash waved around over the past 12 months, so there’s a few new faces on the NRL’s rich list. Today we are counting down the top 15 highest paid NRL players leading into the 2026 season. 

List of NRL Top 15 Highest Paid Platers 2026

2. Nathan Cleary - $1.3M (2026)

Penrith Panthers

Premierships, Clive Churchill medals and a calmness most players can only dream of - Nathan Cleary’s resume reads like a salary justification checklist. The Panthers halfback remains one of the safest investments in the game.

Penrith’s dynasty has been built around his game management and big-match temperament, and while the roster around him evolves, Cleary’s pay packet reflects his status as the competition’s premier organiser. When you’re the man steering the ship, you get skipper money.

3. Mitchell Moses - $1.3M (2026)

Parramatta Eels

Mitchell Moses has long been one of the NRL’s most scrutinised playmakers, but Parramatta backed their man with a contract that says he’s the future. His long kicking game and speed across the turf remain elite weapons.

The Eels know their premiership hopes live and die with Moses’ direction, and that kind of responsibility doesn’t come cheap. Consistency has been the talking point - and 2026 looms as another year where he’ll need to match output with income.

4. Tom Trbojevic - $1.3M (2026)

Manly Sea Eagles

When Tom Trbojevic is healthy, he’s one of the most destructive players in rugby league. Manly’s entire attack lifts when “Turbo” hits top gear.

The issue, of course, has been keeping him on the park. The Sea Eagles are paying for game-breaking upside - the kind that can carry a side deep into September - and they’ll be hoping the body cooperates long enough to deliver full value on that seven-figure investment.

5. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui - $1.2M (2026)

Gold Coast Titans

Gold Coast’s captain isn’t just paid to bend the line - he’s paid to set the standard. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has developed into one of the competition’s premier middle forwards and the emotional leader of the Titans pack.

His work rate, aggression and leadership credentials justified the club locking him in long term. For a franchise chasing credibility, Tino’s contract signals stability - and expectation.

6. Jarome Luai - $1.2M (2026)

Wests Tigers

Jarome Luai arrived at Concord with premiership rings and personality to burn. The Tigers didn’t just recruit talent - they recruited belief.

His swagger and big-game confidence were viewed as the spark for a rebuild, and the size of his deal reflects that faith. Now the challenge is translating that Penrith polish into consistent wins in new colours.

7. Payne Haas - $1.2M (2026)

Brisbane Broncos

Payne Haas doesn’t need hype - his stat sheet does the talking. Year after year, he pumps out elite metres and workload numbers that few middles can match.

Brisbane made it clear he’s the cornerstone of their forward pack, and that kind of dominance commands premium money. In a league where elite props are gold, Haas remains one of the safest bets around.

8. Kalyn Ponga - $1.2M-$1.4M (2026)

Newcastle Knights

Few players can break open a contest like Kalyn Ponga. When he’s gliding across the turf and chiming into the backline, Newcastle look every bit a contender.

His contract reflects both match-winning brilliance and star power off the field. The Knights are banking on consistency to match the flashes - because at that price, good isn’t enough.

9. James Tedesco - $1.1M (2026)

Sydney Roosters

James Tedesco’s reputation was built on relentless effort and elite support play, and even as the years roll on, his standards haven’t slipped.

The Roosters have long invested in proven winners, and Teddy’s leadership and professionalism still carry weight in Bondi. Experience at the top level costs money - and he’s earned it.

10. Nicho Hynes - $1.1M (2026)

Cronulla Sharks

From utility role-player to Dally M winner, Nicho Hynes’ rise has been one of the NRL’s best stories. Cronulla locked him in as their chief playmaker - and paid accordingly.

His composure, goal kicking and ability to steer the side around the park made him indispensable. Now it’s about converting promise into premiership contention.

11. Addin Fonua-Blake - $1.0M (2026)

Cronulla Sharks

Addin Fonua-Blake brings intimidation and consistency in equal measure. Few front-rowers hit as hard or carry as aggressively.

Cronulla didn’t splash cash for subtlety - they paid for dominance through the middle. When he’s firing, the Sharks’ pack rolls forward.

12. Latrell Mitchell - $1.0M (2026)

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Latrell Mitchell has never been short on confidence - or ability. His blend of size, skill and presence makes him one of the game’s true X-factors.

South Sydney invested in his game-breaking ceiling, knowing full well the spotlight follows him everywhere. At his best, he’s worth every cent.

13. David Fifita - $1.0M (2026)

Gold Coast Titans

Despite inconsistent patches on the Glitter Strip, David Fifita remains firmly in the million-dollar club. The Titans paid big to lure him north and are still chasing sustained dominance.

Flashes of brilliance remind everyone why he commands marquee money, but turning those moments into weekly impact remains the challenge.

14. Cameron Murray - $1.0M (2026)

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Cameron Murray isn’t flashy - he’s relentless. Work rate, defence and leadership define his value to the Rabbitohs.

Souths rewarded his consistency with top-tier money, trusting that his standards anchor the pack. In big games, his engine rarely dips.

15. Joseph Tapine - $1.0M (2026)

Canberra Raiders

Joseph Tapine has become Canberra’s forward leader and one of the NRL’s most dependable middles. Physical, durable and uncompromising.

The Raiders locked him in knowing his presence sets the tone every week. In a competition built on middle dominance, that’s million-dollar value.

Top 15 Highest Paid NRL Players List

1. Dylan Brown - $1.3 Million (2026)
2. Nathan Cleary - $1.3M (2026)
3. Mitchell Moses - $1.3M (2026)
4. Tom Trbojevic - $1.3M (2026)
5. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui - $1.2M (2026)
6. Jarome Luai - $1.2M (2026)
7. Payne Haas - $1.2M (2026)
8. Kalyn Ponga - $1.2M-$1.4M (2026)
9. James Tedesco - $1.1M (2026)
10. Nicho Hynes - $1.1M (2026)
11. Addin Fonua-Blake - $1.0M (2026)
12. Latrell Mitchell - $1.0M (2026)
13. David Fifita - $1.0M (2026)
14. Cameron Murray - $1.0M (2026)
15. Joseph Tapine - $1.0M (2026)