The Kangaroos may be worth nearly $20 million collectively, but they’ve taken a massive pay cut to represent Australia on the Ashes tour - and they insist they’d do it for free.
Each player on the 26-day tour of England will earn just $13,000 in total, a far cry from their NRL salaries or the $30,000 paid for a single State of Origin match.
The modest payment - $3,000 per Test and $1,000 a week in expenses is roughly equivalent to a month’s wage for an NRL player on the minimum contract.
But players say it’s not about the money.
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‘Not here for the money’: Kangaroos back pay cut for global growth
Australian stars have praised the NRL’s decision to redirect player payments into a shared international pool, ensuring Pacific nations including Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Papua New Guinea now receive $3,000 per Test - up from as little as $750 in previous years.
“No, we’re not here for the money,” Kangaroos forward Keaon Koloamatangi said.
“If you play the game for money, that’s when your career will go downhill. It shows what the jersey means to everyone.
“All these players are the best in the game, so for them to not worry about the money is a big thing, especially for the younger boys coming through. It’s about growing the game globally.”
‘I’d play for free’: players embrace prestige of Ashes
Cronulla hooker Blayke Brailey said he’d gladly forgo a pay cheque altogether.
“I would come over here and play for nothing, to be honest,” he told News Corp. “Once I play a Test, it’ll be the pinnacle of my career.”
Canterbury forward Jake Preston echoed the sentiment: “I would come here for free to represent Australia. It’s a massive dream, an honour.”
Vice-captain Harry Grant said the historic nature of the Ashes series was enough motivation on its own. “We’re here because we love the opportunity and you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to play in the Ashes.”
Equal pay for Pacific nations the key driver
Rugby League Players Association boss Clint Newton confirmed the reduced rate was negotiated outside the standard CBA so funds could be redirected to international expansion.
“The players will get $13,000 for the Kangaroo tour. It is less than half a State of Origin game and they are away for four weeks,” Newton said.
“But there was no evidence players were motivated by payments - they wanted the Ashes to go ahead and for all nations to be paid fairly.”
Next year’s Rugby League World Cup will see match payments rise again, likely around $4,000 per Test, but the principle of sustainable, shared international revenue will remain.
“We want Test match footy to be played,” Newton said.
“Players value international rugby league - and they’ve shown that by buying into this.”