David vs Goliath battle of salary caps
I can tell you now, there is several Rebels players on a lot less than perceived.
Luke Jones for instance is on the minimum, he wanted to return to Melbourne and has the World Cup in mind. Next year, it’ll be a different situation. Rangi is one of the lowest paid hookers in Australia, his performances warrant an upgrade but is on the same deal prior to breaking into the starting squad. Billy Meakes is on considerably less than current market value, he’s still on his Force deal which was offered as an opportunity to return to Australia and give Super Rugby a go, it’s part of the reason he’s looking at a new home for next season because he can command more money at another state (rumored to be QLD) or overseas, the Rebels can not afford to pay his current market value unless things change.
Quade we know the Rebels are forking out a fraction of his wage, Reds are doing the bulk of the salary same with Slipper and Hunt which is depriving them the opportunity to retain quality players or sign a top end Wallaby at present.
Koroibete will probably be heading overseas next year, so I suspect a lot of his salary will be used to keep Quade. Semisi Tupou will probably be promoted into the squad to fill that wing. With Coleman going Jones will probably take a large portion of that salary and RHP playing a more key role in the side and the two Aus u20s lads pushing to the bench.
Genia staying is up in the air, he wants to but the Rebels and Rugby Aus don’t want to offer the long term deals he’s after. So expect some sort of compromise on money for length of deal.
