Waratahs 2026

[rugbyAU]

Interesting that Fainga'a has been released immediately by Clermont. Because he wants to maximize his chances of RWC in.. 2027?

Wonder if we'll see him feature on the EOYT.

Highly unlikely Joe picks him

 

[Red Runner]

Highly unlikely Joe picks him

there's a reason RA have brought him home and contracted him for 3 years.

 

[rugbyAU]

there's a reason RA have brought him home and contracted him for 3 years.

Joe’s philosophy so far has been making guys earn the jersey first and consistency with selection - he’ll probably be considered after a full season - see Aidan Ross as an example

 

[rugbyAU]

Apparently FF (Folau Fainga'a) will be on 500K

 

[Dctarget]

Apparently FF (Folau Fainga'a) (Folau Fainga'a) will be on 500K

Is that a lot?

 

[Wilson]

Is that a lot?

It's middle ground, though apparently this makes him our 4th Wallabies topped up hooker (Faessler, Pollard and Lonergan are probably the other 3, BPA is not on a top up). Not sure it's the most efficient use of resources from a Wallabies perspective at this point, Porecki's retirement might have been a good opportunity to redirect more of that money to another position.

 

[Crashy]

Seems like a lot to me. I guess with Taniela leaving, its opened up some front row budget.

 

[rugbyAU]

Is that a lot?

Yes, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) at 600K was 3rd most expensive Tight 5 forward this year

 

[Crashy]

after Taniela, who is number 2?

 

[Strewthcobber]

Is that a lot?

I doubt you're attracting a capped Wallaby back from OS in any position for anything much less than that.....

 

[Strewthcobber]

after Taniela, who is number 2?

It’s understood that the deal made him the third-most expensive tight five forward signed to Australian rugby beyond this year. - Doran - 5th September, 2025

Wouldn't include TT

 

[Wilson]

It'd be Bell and probably Ala'alatoa as the top 2 tight 5 earners. Possibly Frost, if Allan has dropped back a bit.

 

[fatprop]

Is that a lot?

https://www.zerotackle.com/players/highest-paid-players/

Not any more ........................

 

[Dctarget]

Fuck me Ponga is robbing the Knights blind.

 

[Filipo Daugunu]

My understanding was that Allan was on around 850 to 900k a season, at least for 2024 and 2025. Christy did say that Lukhan was on more than a lot of other Wallaby tight five forwards. Bell and Allan would be the top two I agree. I wonder what Frost is on for the next couple of years? Less than 600k would be underpaid for sure. Canberra news was that Lachie Lonergans top up was very small, it was just a sweetener on the deal to stay at the Brumbies. The highest Super Rugby base deal is about 250k, so all the real money comes from the top ups.

 

[Dctarget]

I didn't realise that Harvey could kick sticks, 6/6 from on the weekend. With Sua'ali'i, Carter Gordon is becoming even more attractive!

 

[WoodysRFC]

I didn't realise that Harvey could kick sticks, 6/6 from on the weekend. With Sua'ali'i, Carter Gordon is becoming even more attractive!

Yeah seemed to be preferred for U20s too over Fowler and Dillon.

 

[Major Tom]

Yeah seemed to be preferred for U20s too over Fowler and Dillon.

Kicked a clutch goal against the argies or SA if I remember correctly.

 

[Dctarget]

Really hoping he can stay fit and get a few minutes next Super season. Needs a couple seasons in a professional S&C but he's got the talent.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

https://www.zerotackle.com/players/highest-paid-players/

Not any more ........................

View attachment 23411

We'll see 2m players by 2035. Cap is going to 12.1m in 2027 in the final year of the TV deal. With new sides and competition in the market it'll get to 15m+ in no time. When you consider these guys are generally the most popular as well the third party deals will have top NRL players on 3m+