The top ten players you would sign to five-year contracts

Who are the next big money men of rugby league? Here are the top ten players I would pay one million a season to on a five-year deal beginning tomorrow if starting a new club from scratch.

10. Jason Taumololo
At 25 years of age, Taumololo is the only forward that makes it into my top ten. He is currently experiencing a down year at the Cowboys and has looked tired at times carrying an ageing forward pack with the team playing a style of football that has seen him targeted.

He still leads the NRL in post-contact metres with 1385 this season. Also figures fifth in tackle-breaks, which is a domain largely only for outside backs. A powerful wrecking ball, especially with his best football still ahead of him.

9. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
A little bit out-of-sight, out-of-mind in Auckland, but at 25 years of age still one of the increasingly dominant players in the NRL in a key position at fullback. I have been impressed with the leadership role he has taken on at a young age at a notoriously difficult club in the Warriors and has been a large factor as to why they are surpassing expectations this season.

He has a great combination of speed and power at fullback and is also courageous defensively. Great returner of the football who still has his best years in front of him.

8. James Tedesco
He had a slow start to life at the Roosters but is emerging now as one of the real forces in the competition in a domain side. Had a few injuries earlier in his career, but appears at the peak of his powers now coming off another outstanding Origin series.

At 25 years of age, he should be entering his peak years with already 106 first grade games and seven Origins under his belt, and his combination of speed, agility and some defensive saves make him a real standout over the next five years.

7. Valentine Holmes
Holmes is the wildcard here who I’m sure is going to draw a big contract from his next club whether that is at the Sharks or elsewhere. He would be the perfect signing for the Cowboys, given he is from the area and is developing this year into a really outstanding prospect at fullback.

At just 23 years of age, he has already played in a Premiership and winning Origin series. While most of his football has been on the wing, he leads the NRL this year in some key stats from fullback with 17 tries and 17 line breaks. He has scored the most long-range tries in the game and, while he is not a noted ball player, is a ferocious runner of the ball with lightning speed and great courage.

6. Latrell Mitchell
Mitchell is one of the babies on this list at just 20 years of age and has the rugby league world at his feet. He has gone into full beast mode a few times this season, dominating Euan Aitken last round as well making a real imprint in his maiden Origin series.

The only reason I don’t have Latrell right at the top is currently he plays in the centres, and is not quite as physically fit and mobile as some key position players. He draws obvious comparisons to a young Greg Inglis and could develop into a real monster at fullback in time. Also is proving a handy and improving goal kicker.

5. Ash Taylor
The Titans halfback, at 23 years of age, has been one of the leading attacking players in the NRL the past three years despite playing in a predominantly struggling side. Taylor leads the NRL in try-assists, and is in the top three in line-break assists, showing his silky ball playing skills and ability to create points for his team.

Perhaps his game has been a little inconsistent defensively, and he would have been disappointed to miss out on Origin, however, I don’t think he has quite demanded selection yet. I think, in a system like the Storm’s or the Broncos’, he would already be playing Origin, such is his talent.

(Photo by Jason O’Brien/Getty Images)

4. Tom Trbojevic
Trbojevic, at 21 years of age, has all the key attributes you want from a key position player at fullback. Add an outstanding Origin series playing out of position on the wing where he showed his ability under the high ball and how dangerous a ball runner he is from any position on the field.

He still has a few errors in his game, but he is a dynamic attacking player that could easily become the best fullback in the game.

3. Nathan Cleary
Cleary is a 20-year-old halfback who has already racked up 57 NRL games and debuted in a winning Origin series. Plays with a composure and toughness that truly belies his age, and is likely to be the Blues’ halfback for the next decade. He still has to work on owning moments of games, and his general kicking game, however, his running game is a weapon and his defence is really strong.

Also an outstanding goal kicker, he could be the best player in the game in a couple of years. Huge contract decision coming up whether he sticks with Penrith or joins forces with his father at the Tigers.

2. Cameron Munster
For mine, at 23 years of age, Munster could grow into being the best player in the competition in the next couple of years. Has already played in a Premiership and winning Origin series, and taken his game to the next level since moving from fullback to five-eighth.

He is a very instinctive player that demands the ball, a very strong ball runner, and a courageous player who will always put his body on the line.

1. Kalyn Ponga
What a long-term howler from the North Queensland Cowboys, letting this special talent slip away to the Knights. At 20 years of age, Ponga is already in the top five players in the competition in my opinion and will be the best player in the NRL in the next couple of years.

He is like having a fullback and a five-eighth all rolled into one, with his mix of speed, footwork and ball playing ability. Also not afraid to put his body on the line in the last line of defence, he is a really special player.