悉尼公鸡队四分卫萨姆·沃克拒绝了球队提出的五年500万澳元以上的合同延期要约[1]。沃克目前年薪约100万澳元，球队方案是在五年内分阶段将年薪提升至约140万澳元[1]。双方随后同意暂停谈判，将合同讨论推迟至10月赛季结束后进行[1]。
沃克的合同细节泄露反映了NRL当前激烈的球员市场竞争格局。随着PNG和珀斯两支新球队的加入，NRL的扩展正在重塑人才争夺的格局[1]。PNG俱乐部可以提供免税工资和第三方交易等优势[1]，使沃克和内森·克莱里等顶级球员成为潜在目标[1]。公鸡队主教练特伦特·罗宾逊对这一趋势表示理解，他表示："如果我们想要游戏中有更多资金、想要扩展，我们需要更多球队，所以我认为这是一件积极的事情。"[1]业内普遍预期，在下一个转播合同期间，NRL的薪资上限有望上升至2000万澳元[1]。
Sydney Roosters quarterback Sam Walker has declined the club's contract extension offer of over $5 million across five years, with both parties agreeing to pause negotiations until after the season concludes in October [1]. Walker's current annual salary stands at approximately $1 million, with the Roosters proposing a staged five-year increase to roughly $1.4 million per year [1]. The rejection and subsequent leak of contract details have intensified discussions about player movement and salary negotiations in a rapidly shifting competitive landscape [1].
The volatility reflects broader changes in the NRL's player market, driven by the league's expansion to include PNG and Perth [1]. These new teams present unconventional financial advantages, with PNG offering tax-free wages and third-party payment arrangements that create additional leverage in player negotiations [1]. The NRL salary cap is projected to rise to $20 million during the next broadcast contract period, further intensifying competition for established talent [1]. Both Walker and Nathan Cleary have emerged as potential targets for PNG [1]. Roosters coach Trent Robinson acknowledged the competitive pressures, stating: "If we want more money in the game, want to expand, we need more teams, so I think that's a positive thing" [1].