World Cup Pay Disparity Sparks Outrage in Australian Sports

WHO:

Fox Sports - Australian players, players from 13 other nations, ARL Commission (ARLC), Rugby League Players’ Association, Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters, England coach Brian McDermott, Josh Curran, Kyra Sutcliffe.

WHAT:

Fox Sports - Australian players will receive a guaranteed payment of $40,000 for participating in the World Cup.

Fox Sports - Players from other nations will receive only $850 per game played.

SMH.com.au - Players from other nations could earn a total of $4,250 if they play all pool games and reach the semi-finals and final.

SMH.com.au - The Rugby Football League is in a legal battle with the International Rugby League over unpaid fees from hosting the World Cup in 2022.

SMH.com.au - Players participating in the Pacific Championships receive $3,000 per game, while those in the All Stars match earn $7,000.

WHERE:

Fox Sports - The World Cup will take place in Australia.

SMH.com.au - The Rugby Football League is based in England.

WHEN:

SMH.com.au - The World Cup is scheduled for October and November.

SMH.com.au - France was initially set to host the Cup in 2025 but withdrew due to financial difficulties.

WHY:

SMH.com.au - The ARLC has the financial capacity to pay Australian players $40,000 due to a deal with the Rugby League Players’ Association.

SMH.com.au - Other nations are struggling financially, which limits their ability to increase player payments.

HOW:

SMH.com.au - The ARLC paid the International Rugby League for the hosting rights and is responsible for covering costs such as flights, accommodation, and meals for players from other nations.

(UPDATED August 10, 2026 01:22 UTC)

In an exciting development for the upcoming World Cup in Australia, Australian players will receive a guaranteed payment of $40,000 for their participation, while players from other nations will earn only $850 per game played. The Rugby Football League is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with the International Rugby League over unpaid fees from the 2022 World Cup, and this financial strain has impacted the ability of other nations to increase player payments. Scheduled for October and November, the World Cup follows France's withdrawal as host due to financial difficulties, with the ARLC stepping in to cover costs such as flights, accommodation, and meals for international players.