League: Player payments get a boost

The latest collective bargaining agreement is set to see players receive more. Photo / Supplied

The Kiwis will bank a cool A$10,000 ($12,750) each in prizemoney if they can upset the Kangaroos and claim the Four Nations title in Brisbane tonight.

The reward will be considerably more next season after the NRL and Rugby League Players Association agreed on a sweeping increase in player payments in their latest collective bargaining agreement.

From next season the Four Nations winners will receive A$15,000 each, plus a A$10,000 contribution into their retirement account. The losers' bonus increases from A$7500 to A$12,000.

State of Origin payments increase from A$7500 a match to A$12,000, while test match payments increase from A$3000 to A$5400.

The NZRL has also signed up to the increases. NRL players are to receive an increase in minimum wage levels. The top 1 to 17 players in the squad must now be paid at least A$60,000 a season (an increase of $5000). Players 18 to 25 must receive at least A$55,000 (up A$2500) and match payments for players outside the top 25 rise from A$1000 to A$3000.