Salary Cap - Rothfield

*We accidentally deleted Garry's first post on this*

Phil Rothfield has crunched the numbers and valued every player and roster in the NRL — and the gap between the heavyweights and strugglers is widening.

Last year we blamed the new rules, more fatigue and a faster game for a record number of scoreline blowouts rather than the class and quality difference across the 16 clubs.

Valuing every player at every club – a task I undertook with colleague Brent Read – shows the salary cap is not working and we can’t blame the new rules.

An analysis of the 16 clubs shows that the Sydney Roosters and the Penrith Panthers are, at least on paper, worth up to $3 million worth than some of their rivals.

All clubs might be spending $9.6 million but the Roosters are actually worth $11.55 million and the Panthers $11.05 million by our calculations.

At the same time the Cowboys are worth just $8.02 million and the Bulldogs $8.23 million.

So how did we value them? It’s mostly around form from last year and having sought the opinions of player agents and recruitment experts.

OVERPAID PLAYERS

There are a couple of interesting cases that illustrate why a club like the Cowboys will struggle to compete against their stronger rivals.

Val Holmes is in the salary cap at around $900,000 but we’ve valued him at $550,000. Jason Taumalolo is valued at $750,000 but is paid more than $1 million. Jordan McLean is in the cap at around $650,000 but we rate him a $375,000 front-rower.

There are similar examples among other rosters. Veteran Raiders skipper and centre Jarrod Croker is on around $800,000 in the cap. At this stage of his career he’s worth more like $400,000.

The Knights pay Dave Klemmer $900,000 but he’s probably now worth only half that.

MOST VALUABLE

We have rated champion Manly Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic and Penrith’s premiership winning half-back Nathan Cleary as $1.4 million players.

Next is Sydney Roosters fullback and Blues Origin skipper James Tedesco at $1.2 million.

Under our estimates the three best players in the competition provide outstanding value to their clubs because they are getting paid well below that amount.

Newly appointed Newcastle Knights skipper Kalyn Ponga is rated the fourth highest at $1.1 million which is close to what he is getting paid. We rate David Fifita, the game’s most destructive forward, at $1 million.

THE IMBALANCE

On face value it’s hard to see how the Roosters can squeeze in so much talent yet stay under the cap. They made the semi-finals last year despite losing the likes of Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend, Brett Morris, Lindsay Collins and Luke Keary.

It is a fact players will stay or sign with the Roosters for less than they can get elsewhere.

There is the attraction of playing under super coach Trent Robinson, winning premierships and playing representative football from a successful side.

This also applies to Melbourne Storm and Craig Bellamy who has such a great record of turning mediocre footballers into great players.

At the other end of the scale teams like the Wests Tigers have to pay way ‘overs’. They have Luke Brooks on $900,000 yet we suggest he’s worth more like $550,000. James Tamou is on close to $800,000 but is no longer in that big-money league.

THE BLOWOUTS

Last season saw the most number of blowouts in 86 years of rugby league. On one forgettable Super Saturday we had a combined score line of 148-6.

Rather than build to achieve sustainable success, impatient clubs and coaches are panic buying looking for immediate results. To try to become a top four or top eight club overnight.

It’s not working. This analysis of the rosters proves that.

COWBOYS

1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow  $475k
2 Kyle Feldt  $425k 
3 Valentine Holmes  $550k
4 Peta Hiku  $275k
5 Murray Taulagi  $300k
6 Tom Dearden  $310k
7 Chad Townsend  $450k
8 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown  $250k
9 Reece Robson  $375k
10 Jason Taumalolo  $750k
11 Heilum Luki $270k 
12 Jeremiah Nanai  $280k
13 Reuben Cotter  $260k
14 Jordan McLean  $375k 
15 Tom Gilbert  $250k 
16 Coen Hess  $400k  
17 Scott Drinkwater  $325k 

TOTAL: $6.32 million

THE REST: Daejern Asi, Kane Bradley, Lachlan Burr, Ben Condon, Mitchell Dunn, Brendan Elliott, Jake Granville, Ben Hampton, Connelly Lemuelu, Laitia Moceidreke, Griffin Neame, Emry Pere. Total: $1.7 million. Squad: 29 players

GRAND TOTAL: $8.02 million

BULLDOGS

1 Matt Dufty  $350k
2 Josh Addo-Carr $500k 
3 Aaron Schoupp $350k
4 Brent Naden  $400k 
5 Jayden Okunbor  $200k
6 Matt Burton  $800k 
7 Jake Averillo  $280k 
8 Paul Vaughan  $450k
9 Jeremy Marshall-King  $280k
10 Luke Thompson  $550k
11 Tevita Pangai Jr  $550k 
12 Jack Hetherington  $400k
13 Josh Jackson  $400k
14 Bailey Biondi-Odo  $200k
15 XAva Seumanufagai  $220k
16 Raymond Faitala-Mariner  $280k 
17 Corey Waddell  $220k

TOTAL: $6.43 million

THE REST: Corey Allan, Paul Alamoti, Braidon Burns, Josh Cook, Matt Doorey, Kyle Flanagan, Tui Katoa, Max King,  Chris Patolo, Joe Stimson, Jackson Topine, Brandon Wakeham. Total: $1.8 million. Squad: 29 players

TOTAL: $8.23 million

WARRIORS

1 Reece Walsh  $550k  
2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak  $350k 
3 Rocco Berry  $270k
4 Jesse Arthars  $250k
5 Marcelo Montoya  $180k
6 Chanel Harris-Tavita  $225k
7 Shaun Johnson  $550k
8 Addin Fonua-Blake  $725k
9 Wayde Egan  $350k
10 Matt Lodge  $480k
11 Euan Aitken  $375k
12 Tohu Harris  $720k
13 Jazz Tevaga  $320k
14 Kodi Nikorima  $300k
15 Josh Curran  $320k
16 Eliesa Katoa  $425k 
17 Ben Murdoch-Masila  $300k

TOTAL: $6.69 million

THE REST: Bunty Afoa, Edward Kosi, Jack Murchie, Taniela Otukolo, Aaron Pene, Iliesa Ratuva, Pride Petterson-Robati, Adam Pompey, Ash Taylor, Bayley Sironen, Viliami Vailea. Total: $1.8 million. Squad: 28 players

GRAND TOTAL: $8.49 million

KNIGHTS

1 Kalyn Ponga  $1.1m
2 Enari Tuala  $270k 
3 Dane Gagai  $550k
4 Bradman Best  $400k
5 Dominic Young  $180k
6 Jake Clifford  $350k
7 Adam Clune  $220k
8 Daniel Saifiti  $650k
9 Jayden Brailey  $450k
10 Dave Klemmer  $470k
11 Mitch Barnett  $280k
12 Tyson Frizell  $600k
13 Kurt Mann  $320k
14 Chris Randall  $220k
15 Jacob Saifiti  $450k
16 Lachlan Fitzgibbon  $270k 
17 Sauaso Sue  $170k 

TOTAL: $6.95 million

THE REST: Phoenix Crossland, Bailey Hodgson, Hymel Hunt, Jack Johns, Brodie Jones, Jacob Kiraz, Jirah Momoisea, Brayden Musgrove, Simi Sasagi, Pasami Saulo. Total: $1.6 million. Squad: 27 players

GRAND TOTAL: $8.55 million

TIGERS

1 Daine Laurie  $450k
2 David Nofoaluma  $475k 
3 Oliver Gildart  $340k
4 Adam Doueihi  $550k
5 Ken Maumalo  $320k
6 Jackson Hastings  $400k
7 Luke Brooks  $550k
8 Stefano Utoikamanu  $650k
9 Jacob Liddle  $310k
10 James Tamou  $270k
11 Luke Garner  $325k
12 Luciano Leilua  $650k
13 Alex Twal  $425k
14 Tyrone Peachey  $380k
15 Shaun Blore  $320k
16 Joe Ofahengaue  $280k 
17 Zane Musgrove  $250k

TOTAL: $6.945 million

THE REST: Thomas Mikaele, William Kei, Asu Kepaoa, Jock Madden, Alex Seyfarth, Jake Simpkin, Tuki Simpkins, Tommy Talau, Starford To’a, Kelma Tuilagi, Junior Tupou. Total: $1.7 million. Squad: 28 players

GRAND TOTAL: $8.645 million

BRONCOS

1 Tesi Nui  $250k
2 Selwyn Cobbo  $180k 
3 Herbie Farnworth  $370k
4 Kotoni Staggs  $750k
5 Jamayne Isaako  $280k
6 Albert Kelly  $150k 
7 Adam Reynolds  $800k
8 Payne Haas  $875k
9 Jake Turpin  $300k
10 Tom Flegler  $400k
11 Kurt Capewell  $525k
12 Jordan Riki  $340k
13 Pat Carrigan  $425k
14 Billy Walters  $225k
15 Ryan James  $180k
16 TC Robati  $275k 
17 Brendan Piakura  $380k

TOTAL: $6.705 million

THE REST: Tyson Gamble, Kobe Hetherington, Delise Hoeter, Corey Jensen, Rhys Kennedy, Brenko Lee, Ezra Mam, David Mead, Corey Oates, Cory Paix, Keenan Palasia, Jordan Pereira. Total: $2 million. Squad: 29 players

GRAND TOTAL: $8.705 million

DRAGONS

1 Tyrell Sloan $350k
2 Mikaele Ravalawa  $275k 
3 Zac Lomax  $650k
4 Moses Suli  $425k
5 Cody Ramsey  $280k
6 Talatau Amone  $220k
7 Ben Hunt  $650k
8 Blake Lawrie  $340k
9 Andrew McCullough  $350k
10 Jack de Belin  $425k
11 Tariq Sims  $525k
12 Jaydn Su’A  $475k
13 Jack Bird  $500K
14 Moses Mbye  $320k
15 Josh McGuire  $325k
16 Francis Molo  $475k 
17 Tyrell Fuimaono  $325k

TOTAL: $6.91 million

THE REST: Daniel Alvaro, George Burgess, Billy Burns, Poasa Faamausili, Mat Feagai, Max Feagai, Jackson Ford, Jack Gosiewski, Josh Kerr, Tautau Moga, Jayden Sullivan, Aaron Woods. Total: $1.9 million. Squad: 29 players

GRAND TOTAL: $8.81 million

TITANS

1 Jayden Campbell  $370k
2 Phillip Sami  $280k 
3 Brian Kelly  $320k
4 Patrick Herbert  $300k
5 Corey Thompson  $320k
6 AJ Brimson  $500k
7 Toby Sexton  $300k
8 Jaimin Jolliffe  $350k
9 Erin Clark  $220k 
10 Moeaki Fotuaika  $600k
11 David Fifita  $1m
12 Kevin Proctor  $440k
13 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui  $850k
14 Will Smith  $240k
15 Herman Ese’ese  $400k
16 Jarrod Wallace  $400k 
17 Isaac Liu  $440k

TOTAL: $7.33 million

THE REST: Aaron Booth, Tanah Boyd, Beau Fermor, Sosefo Fifita, Alofi’ana Khan-Pereira, Sam Lisone, Esan Marsters, Gregory Marzhew, Sam McIntyre, Treymain Spry, Paul Turner, Joseph Vuna. Total: $1.6 million. Squad: 29 players

GRAND TOTAL: $8.93 million

SHARKS

1 Will Kennedy  $450k
2 Sione Katoa  $300k 
3 Connor Tracey  $300k
4 Jesse Ramien  $400k
5 Ronaldo Mulitalo  $400k
6 Matt Moylan  $450k
7 Nicho Hynes  $700k
8 Dale Finucane  $600k
9 Blayke Brailey  $400k
10 Andrew Fifita  $400k
11 Wade Graham  $450k
12 Briton Nikora  $500k 
13 Cameron McInnes  $550k
14 Luke Metcalf  $350k 
15 Braden Hamlin-Uele  $450k
16 Franklin Pele  $300k 
17 Toby Rudolf  $450k

TOTAL: $7.45 million

THE REST: Jayden Berrell, Jackson Ferris, Mawene Hiroti, Royce Hunt, Matt Ikuvalu, Lachlan Miller, Kai O’Donnell, Siosifa Talakai, Jensen Taumoepeau, Braydon Trindall, Jack Williams, Aiden Tolman, Teig Wilton. Total: $1.8 million. Squad: 30 players

GRAND TOTAL: $9.25 million

RAIDERS

1 Xavier Savage  $300k  
2 Nick Cotric  $400k  
3 Jarrod Croker  $400k
4 Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad  $450k
5 Jordan Rapana  $400k
6 Jack Wighton  $750k
7 Jamal Fogarty  $400k
8 Josh Papalii  $850k 
9 Josh Hodgson  $450k 
10 Joseph Tapine  $700k
11 Hudson Young  $400k 
12 Elliott Whitehead  $550k
13 Corey Harawira-Naera  $400k
14 Tom Starling  $350k
15 Ryan Sutton  $380k
16 Corey Horsburgh  $320k 
17 Adam Elliott  $380k

TOTAL: $7.88 million

THE REST: Matt Frawley, Emre Guler, Albert Hopoate, Peter Hola, Trey Mooney, Sebastian Kris, Harry Rushton, Brad Schneider, Harley Smith-Shields, Matt Timoko, Semi Valemei, Sam Williams. Total: $1.6 million. Squad: 29 players

GRAND TOTAL: $9.48 million

SEA EAGLES

1 Tom Trbojevic  $1.4m
2 Jason Saab  $450k 
3 Tolutau Koula  $400k
4 Brad Parker  $350k 
5 Reuben Garrick $400k
6 Kieran Foran  $500k 
7 Daly Cherry-Evans  $900k
8 Taniela Paseka  $450k 
9 Lachlan Croker  $350k
10 Martin Taupau  $650k 
11 Josh Schuster  $600k
12 Haumole Olaka’uatu  $600k
13 Jake Trbojevic  $600k 
14 Dylan Walker  $350k
15 Toafofoa Sipley  $250k
16 Sean Keppie  $300k  
17 Josh Aloiai  $350k 

TOTAL: $8.9 million

THE REST: Morgan Boyle, Ethan Bullemor, Andrew Davey, Kurt De Luis, Sione Fainu, Morgan Harper, Karl Lawton, Jorge Taufua, Ben Trbojevic, Christian Tuipulotu, Alec Tu’itavake, Dylan Kaeo Weekes. Total: $1.6 million. Squad: 29 players

GRAND TOTAL: $10.5 million

STORM

1 Ryan Papenhuyzen  $800k 
2 Dean Ieremia  $220k 
3 Reimis Smith  $320k
4 Justin Olam  $500k
5 Xavier Coates  $425k
6 Cameron Munster  $920k
7 Jahrome Hughes  $850k
8 Jesse Bromwich  $550k
9 Harry Grant  $750k
10 Christian Welch  $650k
11 Felise Kaufusi  $650k
12 Kenny Bromwich  $500k
13 Brandon Smith  $750k
14 Chris Lewis  $130k
15 Tui Kamikamica  $320k
16 Nelson Asofa-Solomona  $580k 
17 Nick Meaney  $270k

TOTAL: $9.185 million

THE REST: Tom Eisenhuth, Jordan Grant, Jack Howarth, George Jennings, Cooper Johns, Josh King, Trent Loiero, Tepai Moeroa, Jayden Nikorima, Jonah Pezet, William Warbrick, Tyran Wishart. Total: $1.6 million. Squad: 29 players

GRAND TOTAL: $10.785 million

EELS

1 Clint Gutherson  $700k
2 Maika Sivo  $450k 
3 Waqa Blake  $450k 
4 Will Penisini  $500k
5 Bailey Simonsson  $250k
6 Dylan Brown   $650k
7 Mitchell Moses   $800k
8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard   $750k
9 Reed Mahoney  $550k
10 Junior Paulo  $800k
11 Isaiah Papali’I  $600k
12 Shaun Lane  $500k 
13 Nathan Brown  $450k 
14 Ray Stone  $300k 
15 Marata Niukore  $550k 
16 Ryan Matterson  $350k 
17 Oregon Kaufusi  $400k

TOTAL: $9.05 million

THE REST: Jake Arthur, Haze Dunster, Wiremu Greig, David Hollis, Makahesi Makatoa, Solomone Naiduki, Tom Opacic, Hayze Perham, Mitch Rein, Nathaniel Roache,  Sean Russell, Bryce Cartwright. Total: $1.9 million. Squad: 29 players

GRAND TOTAL: $10.95 million

RABBITOHS

1 Latrell Mitchell  $1.1m
2 Alex Johnston  $480k 
3 Jaxson Paulo  $300k
4 Campbell Graham  $600k
5 Josh Mansour  $300k
6 Cody Walker  $850k
7 Lachlan Ilias  $350k
8 Junior Tatola  $500k
9 Damien Cook  $800k
10 Thomas Burgess  $550k
11 Jai Arrow  $600k 
12 Keaon Koloamatangi  $600k
13 Cameron Murray  $900k
14 Blake Taaffe  $300k 
15 Mark Nicholls  $400k
16 Jacob Host $350k  $350k 
17 Liam Knight $380k  $380k

TOTAL: $9.36 million

THE REST: Zane Bijorac, Jed Cartwright, Michael Chee Kam, Siliva Havili, Terrell Kalo Kalo, Peter Mamouzelos, Taane Milne, Davvy Moale, Hame Sele, Isaiah Tass, Shaquai Mitchell. Total: $1.6 million. Squad: 28 players

GRAND TOTAL: $10.96 million

PANTHERS

1 Dylan Edwards  $450k
2 Charlie Staines  $280k 
3 Izack Tago  $200k
4 Stephen Crichton  $700k
5 Brian To’o  $550k
6 Jarome Luai  $780k
7 Nathan Cleary  $1.4m
8 Moses Leota  $350k
9 Api Koroisau  $600k
10 James Fisher-Harris  $900k
11 Viliame Kikau  $800k
12 Liam Martin  $450k
13 Isaah Yeo  $700k
14 Mitch Kenny $250k 
15 Scott Sorensen  $300k
16 Spencer Leniu  $320k 
17 Chris Smith  $220k

TOTAL: $9.25 million

THE REST: Christian Crichton, Eddie Blacker, Matt Eisenhuth, Kurt Falls, J’maine Hopgood, Robert Jennings, Taylan May, Sean O’Sullivan, Lindsay Smith, Jaeman Salmon, Preston Riki. Total: $1.8 million. Squad: 28 players

GRAND TOTAL: $11.05 million

ROOSTERS

1 James Tedesco  $1.2m
2 Daniel Tupou  $450k 
3 Paul Momirovski  $400k
4 Joey Manu  $800k
5 Joseph Suaalii  $500k
6 Luke Keary  $900k
7 Sam Walker  $550k
8 J. Waerea-Hargreaves  $750k
9 Sam Verills  $350k
10 Siosiua Taukeiaho  $550k
11 Angus Crichton  $700k
12 Sitili Tupouniua  $500k
13 Victor Radley  $650k
14 Connor Watson  $300k
15 Lindsay Collins  $650k
16 Nat Butcher  $300k 
17 Egan Butcher  $200k

TOTAL: $9.75 million

THE REST: Renouf Atoni, Fletcher Baker, Moala Graham-Taufa, Drew Hutchison, Adam Keighran, Lachlan Lam, Freddy Lussick, Ben Marschke, Kevin Naiqama, Billy Smith, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Ben Thomas, Naufahu Whyte. 
Total: $1.8 million. Squad: 30 players

GRAND TOTAL: $11.55 million