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How to Become One of the Highest Paid NRLW Players (What Clubs Really Look For)

  • Writer: John Fadel
    John Fadel
  • Apr 3
  • 3 min read
highest paid NRLW players training elite performance

Most players focus on making the NRLW.


Almost no one understands how to become valuable in it.


There’s a big difference between:


  • making a squad

  • and getting paid properly


The highest paid NRLW players aren’t just talented.


👉 They are valuable, reliable, and built over time.


If you don’t understand that early, you’ll get stuck at the bottom of the system.


How Do You Actually Get Paid in NRLW?


Most people look at contract value first.


👉 That’s the last thing we look at.


Your first two years in NRLW should be treated as:


  • an apprenticeship

  • learning standards

  • adapting to training

  • earning your position

  • understanding culture

  • working with different personalities


This is called:

👉 man management


Do Not Chase Money Early


If you want to become a high-earning NRLW player:


👉 You don’t chase money — you build value.


I’ve done this with multiple players.


Right now, I have players:


  • set to match the highest paid in 2026–2027

  • and likely become the highest paid in 2028


That doesn’t happen by accident.



Understand Your True Value as an NRLW Player


👉 No one pays you above what you’re worth.


If you’re entering the system:


👉 90% of players start on minimum or development contracts.


That’s reality.


Why I Hold Players Back (And Don’t Care What People Think)


I’ve advised players and parents NOT to take NRLW opportunities.


Because they weren’t ready.


I’ve seen:


  • players rushed in

  • one-year hit seasons

  • careers finished


Understand NRLW Salary / Value more


The Truth About Early Selection


Some coaches:


  • push players too early

  • create false belief


When I say “you’re not ready,” it gets twisted.


👉 I’m not building a one-year player.


👉 I’m building a 10-year career.


NRLW Salary Reality


  • Minimum contracts

  • Development deals

  • Top-tier contracts


Not everyone gets paid equally.


👉 Short seasons = limited earning windows.


👉 Every decision matters.


Talent Alone Doesn’t Get You Paid in NRLW


Plenty of talented players:


  • get early opportunities

  • have big games


…but stay on low deals.


Why?


👉 Because talent without consistency has no value.


One Big Game Means Nothing


You can:


  • score tries

  • make breaks


…but without consistency:


👉 it means nothing long term.


What Actually Increases Your Value as an NRLW Player


Consistency Under Pressure


Coaches trust reliability.


Physical Standards (Non-Negotiable)

  • Speed

  • Power

  • Fitness

  • Explosive starts

  • Agility


👉 You never stop training this.


Game Impact

  • Line breaks

  • Defensive reads

  • Involvement


👉 What you do OFF the ball matters more than ON it.


Position Demand


Some positions get paid more.


👉 Master your role.


Availability & Durability


Injured players don’t get paid.


The Hidden Factor – Mindset & Professionalism


This is where careers are made.


  • Discipline

  • Coachability

  • Attitude

  • Core values


Ask yourself:


  • What drives you?

  • What are you prioritising?


Timing Your Peak Matters


Players:


  • peak too early

  • get pushed too early

  • get exposed too early


👉 That destroys careers.


Consistency Beats Hype


One good game means nothing.


👉 Can you perform under pressure consistently?


👉 Can you lift the players around you?


Why Most Players Will Never Become High Paid NRLW Players

  • Overtraining

  • Poor guidance

  • Chasing teams

  • Listening to the wrong people


Your Real Team


  • Your manager

  • Your parents

  • Yourself


👉 That’s your core.


You Don’t Owe a Club Anything


You respect the contract.


You give 100%.


👉 But it’s still business.


How to Become One of the Highest Paid NRLW Players


This is where it all comes together.


Structured Training Plan


You must train with purpose.


Structured Nutrition Plan


Fuel matters.


Structured Development Program


Everything must align.


Follow the Right Pathways

  • Lisa Fiaola

  • Tasha Gale

  • Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership

  • NRLW


👉 Each level teaches you something different.


Proper Management


You need guidance.


Long-Term Planning


This is not short-term.


🔥 CONCLUSION


It’s not about making NRLW.


👉 It’s about becoming valuable enough to be paid properly.


You need to:


  • understand where you’re at

  • create a benchmark

  • improve on that benchmark


When I tell a player:

👉 “You are special”


That’s not based on one game.


That’s based on:


  • consistency

  • mindset

  • durability

  • professionalism


👉 We don’t just want talent.


👉 We want players who are unbreakable.


At Excel Sports, we teach players how to build value.


I tell my players:


👉 “Your job is to train and perform — let me do the rest.”


But for that to work:


👉 You must trust the process

👉 And I must trust you


👉 If you’re not building value…


You are replaceable.





Supporting blogs:



If you’re serious about building real value and not just making up numbers, speak to a NRLW player agent who understands pathways and long-term development.








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