History of long player deals in the NRL

Jason Taumalolo's new 10-year deal with North Queensland follows a number of long-term NRL contract signings.

LONG-TERM NRL SIGNINGS

JASON TAUMALOLO - 10 years (North Queensland; 2017): The 23-year-old Kiwi becomes one of the most well-paid players in NRL history with his reported $10-million contract. The length of the deal could be considered risky despite the star lock's credentials as a Dally M medallist, premiership player, New Zealand representative.

DALY CHERRY-EVANS - eight years (Manly; 2015): Performed a stunning backflip on the Gold Coast to stay with Manly on a "lifetime contract" also believed to be worth $10 million. The 28-year-old had an injury-affected 2016 as the club struggled before being appointed captain this season.

SONNY BILL WILLIAMS - five years (Canterbury; 2008): After months of intense speculation and prolonged discussions, the then-21-year-old superstar pledged his allegiance to the club off the back of two injury-hit seasons. A contract worth around $400,000 a season didn't stop him publicly entertaining thoughts of playing for the All Blacks after a year. A few months later, he had joined French rugby club Toulon.

BRENT SHERWIN - five years (Canterbury; 2003): The halfback signed what then-Bulldogs chief executive Steve Mortimer described as a "very lucrative contract", but he was out the door with a year to run for another high-paying gig with English club Castleford.

BEN HUNT - five years (St George Illawarra; 2017): Desperate to emerge from the NRL doldrums, the Dragons offered the Brisbane playmaker a rumoured $1 million per year. He will land in Wollongong next year.

TERRY CAMPESE - five years (Canberra; 2009): The Raiders five-eighth's deal, signed a week after making his NSW Origin debut, was the longest in the club's history and put him in prime position to become a one-club player. Four years later after a string of injuries, he was released to play with English Super League side Hull KR.

GREG INGLIS - five years (South Sydney; 2012): Despite losing the NRL superstar for the season to injury, the Rabbitohs could count his long-term re-signing a success after he starred in their 2014 premiership. He signed another three-year extension last year.


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Source: AAP



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