How much will Pacific players be paid at the Rugby League World Cup?

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will pay all players a standard weekly match fee of AU$850, according to the International Rugby League. This amount applies equally to both male and female players, including those from teams like the Kangaroos and Jillaroos. However, individual national federations have the option to pay their players more if they can afford to.

Player remuneration at the tournament will consist of both a match fee and 50% of any prize money, shared equally among the squad regardless of appearances. The match fee, an initiative of the host organisation, Australia Rugby League (ARLC), will cover all costs for participating squads, including flights, transportation, meals, and accommodation.

While Australian and New Zealand players will receive the standard AU$850 weekly fee, players from Pacific island federations such as Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga will receive higher amounts: AU$2,550 for three weeks, AU$3,440 if they reach the top four, and AU$4,250 for winning the final. The increase in payment for Pacific players is a response to concerns from some federations about the disparity with Australian players, who reportedly received a flat AU$40,000 payment.

The IRL clarified that each federation can top up the contracted match fee amount from their respective budgets. Some Pasifika heritage players in the National Rugby League have expressed their willingness to play for their countries of origin at the World Cup, potentially forgoing higher payments from Australia and New Zealand in honor of their parents and origins.