The NRLW is set to enter its sixth season in 2023, with a historic expansion from six to ten teams and a significant increase in the salary cap and player payments. In this article, we will look at the average, minimum, maximum, and highest-paid player salaries, as well as the contract details for the NRLW in 2023.
NRLW Salary Cap
The NRL announced in February 2023 that the NRLW salary cap will rise from $350,000 in 2022 to $900,000 in 2023, a 157% increase. The cap will cover the top 24 players in each club’s squad, as well as two marquee players who can be offered full-time jobs outside the cap. The cap will also include private health insurance and other benefits for the players.
The salary cap increase is part of the NRL’s commitment to invest and grow the women’s game, as well as to ensure that players earn substantially more income from rugby league. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said: “There’s still a long way to go but this is another positive step in our growth journey for the NRLW. We’re experiencing significant growth in television audiences and that’s down to the players, and the Commission will continue to invest and support that success.”
NRLW Player Payments
As part of the new salary cap model, the minimum salary for all players in a club’s top 24 NRLW squad will increase by 25% to $30,000 in 2023. This means that players will be paid for a 20-week period, which includes a seven-week preparation period, nine regular rounds, two weeks of finals, and two weeks of annual leave. The contract period for players is, however, 12 months.
In addition to the minimum salary, players can also earn more through marquee deals, representative payments, and performance bonuses. Clubs can employ two marquee players on a full-time basis outside the cap, with private health insurance among other newly introduced benefits. Marquee players are expected to earn around $60,000 or more in 2023.
Representative payments will also increase from $4,000 to $6,000 per game for State of Origin players in 2023. The women’s Origin series will expand to two matches in 2023, with one game in Parramatta and one game in Townsville.
Performance bonuses will be based on ladder position and finals results. The premiers will receive $100,000 to be shared among the players and staff, while the runners-up will receive $50,000. The third-placed team will receive $25,000 and the fourth-placed team will receive $15,000. The remaining six teams will receive $10,000 each.
NRLW Highest-Paid Player
The highest-paid player in the NRLW in 2023 is yet to be confirmed, as clubs are still finalizing their rosters and contracts for the upcoming season. However, based on the previous seasons and the current signings, some of the potential candidates are:
- Isabelle Kelly: The Roosters star centre is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, having won the Golden Boot award in 2018 and being named Dally M Female Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020. She has re-signed with the Roosters for 2023 and is likely to command a marquee deal worth more than $60,000.
- Ali Brigginshaw: The Broncos captain and halfback is another elite player who has led her team to four consecutive grand finals and three premierships. She has also captained Queensland to two Origin victories and represented Australia at the World Cup. She has re-signed with the Broncos until 2025 and is expected to be one of their marquee players.
- Kezie Apps: The Wests Tigers recruit and back-rower is a proven leader and performer at club, state, and international levels. She has won two premierships with the Dragons, captained NSW to three Origin wins, and played for Australia at the World Cup. She has joined the Tigers on a three-year deal and is set to be one of their marquee players.
Conclusion
The NRLW is entering an exciting new era in 2023, with more teams, more games, more exposure and more money for the players. The salary cap increase and the player payments reflect the NRL’s vision and commitment to grow the women’s game and reward its stars. The NRLW is attracting some of the best athletes in the world and showcasing their skills and talents to a wider audience.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: How many teams are in the NRLW in 2023?
A: There are 10 teams in the NRLW in 2023, up from six in 2022. The new teams are the Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers.
Q: How many games are in the NRLW season in 2023?
A: There are 11 weeks of NRLW action in 2023, with nine regular rounds and a two-week finals series. Each team will play each other once in the regular rounds.
Q: What is the NRLW salary cap in 2023?
A: The NRLW salary cap is $900,000 in 2023, a 157% increase from $350,000 in 2022. The cap covers the top 24 players in each club’s squad, as well as two marquee players who can be offered full-time jobs outside the cap.
Q: What is the minimum salary for NRLW players in 2023?
A: The minimum salary for all players in a club’s top 24 NRLW squad is $30,000 in 2023, a 25% increase from $24,000 in 2022. This means that players will be paid for a 20-week period, which includes a seven-week preparation period, nine regular rounds, two weeks of finals, and two weeks of annual leave.
Q: What is the highest salary for NRLW players in 2023?
A: The highest salary for NRLW players in 2023 is yet to be confirmed, as clubs are still finalizing their rosters and contracts for the upcoming season. However, some of the potential candidates are Isabelle Kelly, Ali Brigginshaw and Kezie Apps, who are likely to command marquee deals worth more than $60,000.
Q: How much do NRLW players get paid for State of Origin?
A: NRLW players get paid $6,000 per game for State of Origin in 2023, an increase from $4,000 in 2022. The women’s Origin series will expand to two matches in 2023, with one game in Parramatta and one game in Townsville.
Q: How much do NRLW players get paid for winning the premiership?
A: NRLW players get paid a share of $100,000 for winning the premiership in 2023, an increase from $75,000 in 2022. The runners-up get a share of $50,000, while the third-placed team gets $25,000 and the fourth-placed team gets $15,000. The remaining six teams get $10,000 each.
Q: Who are the new teams in the NRLW in 2023?
A: The new teams in the NRLW in 2023 are the Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers. All four clubs submitted a licence application in April 2022 and were granted entry by the NRL in June 2022.
Q: Who are the coaches and captains of the new teams in the NRLW in 2023? A: The coaches and captains of the new teams in the NRLW in 2023 are:
- Canberra Raiders: Darrin Borthwick (coach), Simaima Taufa and Zahara Temara (co-captains)
- Cronulla Sharks: Tony Herman (coach), Tiana Penitani (captain)
- North Queensland Cowboys: Ben Jeffries (coach), Kirra Dibb and Tallisha Harden (co-captains)
- Wests Tigers: Brett Kimmorley (coach), Kezie Apps and Botille Vette-Welsh (co-captains)
Q: Where can I watch the NRLW games in 2023?
A: You can watch all the NRLW games on Channel Nine and Fox Sports in Australia, Sky Sport in New Zealand and Sky Sports in the UK. You can also stream them on Kayo Sports and WatchNRL.