RL Today: Jai Field wins award & Latrell Mitchell to become highest paid player in NRL history

Latrell Mitchell to become highest paid player in NRL history

South Sydney Rabbitohs full-back Latrell Mitchell looks set to become the highest paid player in NRL history. (Daily Mail)

The Daily Mail have reported that Mitchell’s next deal could make as much as $2million a year. Penrith’s Nathan Cleary is currently the highest-paid player in the NRL with an annual salary of $1.3million. 

Jai Field crowned RLWBA Player of the Year

Wigan full-back Jai Field has been chosen as the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association Player of the Year for 2022.

The 25-year-old received 61 per cent of the votes to win the Raymond Fletcher Memorial Trophy. He has also been nominated for this year’s Man of Steel award alongside Brodie Croft and Jack Welsby. 

Gene departs Hull KR

Hull KR have confirmed that reserve and academy coach Stanley Gene has left the club with immediate effect after accepting his request to be released from his contract to pursue another opportunity.

Kiwis to stick by JWH

New Zealand are set to stick by prop forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for their World Cup campaign despite his recent ban. (NRL)

The 33-year-old is facing a three-match ban that could see him miss their warm-up match against Leeds and the first two group matches against Lebanon and Jamaica. He could return for their final group match against Ireland. 

The Kiwis travel to England on September 30.

Atkin ready to step up

Chris Atkin says he is ready to fill in for Man of Steel contender Brodie Croft for Salford’s semi-final clash against St Helens. (Mirror)

Croft, 25, is set to miss the clash due to a head knock sustained in the club’s win over Huddersfield.

Veteran Aaron Murphy on the move

Sheffield Eagles look set to sign veteran Aaron Murphy from Bradford Bulls for the 2023 campaign. (Examiner Live)

Murphy, 33, has spent the majority of his career in Super League, making over 200 top flight appearances during his career. He joined Bradford in 2021 from Huddersfield. 

Birthdays

Former Ireland international and current Warrington CEO Karl Fitzpatrick turns 42 today (September 13).

Also celebrating; Castleford’s Kenny Edwards (33), Australia international Cameron Munster (28) and Hull KR recruit Yusuf Aydin (22).

Trivia

Leeds Rhinos recorded the highest Super League average attendance in 2022 with 12,940. Click here to see how all the teams ranked.