Rugby league officials discuss Origin payments and salary cap increases

Rugby league officials are discussing higher payments for State of Origin players following a new broadcast rights agreement. The NRL announced a seven-year deal worth $5.3 billion on Tuesday. Origin payments had risen from $12,500 in 2006 to $30,000 in 2013 before falling to $10,000 during the COVID pandemic.

Salary cap considerations Officials are also weighing an increase in the salary cap from $12 million next year to between $18 million and $20 million the year after. A jump to $20 million would represent a 75 per cent rise. Some league officials expect Origin payments to rise in line with any salary cap increase.

Series context The deciding match of the current series is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:05 pm. The series stands at 1-1. The match is being played on Queensland soil, where one team holds an 11 per cent win record in games that could have decided the series.