Sports – Page 16 – Michmutters

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Cameron Ciraldo to coach Canterbury Bulldogs, contract, how many years, Penrith Panthers, latest, updates

Cameron Ciraldo to coach Canterbury Bulldogs, contract, how many years, Penrith Panthers, latest, updates

Cameron Ciraldo has landed his first NRL head coaching gig as he reportedly inked a five-year deal to take over the Canterbury Bulldogs from 2023.

Ciraldo, considered one of the brightest coaching minds in the game, has spent several years as Ivan Cleary’s understudy at the Penrith Panthers.

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He has also turned down a number of approaches from other teams for a head coaching position previously, including one from the Wests Tigers in June.

Ciraldo had been heavily linked with the vacancy at Belmore after Trent Barrett left the role earlier this season.

The 38-year-old, who will also become the youngest head coach in the NRL next season, is no stranger to Bulldogs GM of football Phil Gould as the duo worked together at the Panthers.

According to The Daily Telegraphan emotional Ciraldo broke the news to the Panthers playing group at training on Sunday.

speaking on Fox League’s broadcast, Michael Ennis and Greg Alexander, two figures who have connections to the Bulldogs and Panthers respectively, spoke glowingly of Ciraldo’s credentials.

“It’s exciting times for them (Bulldogs),” Ennis said.

Sharks secure top 4 against Tigers | 00:56

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“Cameron’s very much where Craig Fitzgibbon was 12 months ago where he’s done a wonderful apprenticeship in a really good system.

“He’s had some previous experience when Anthony Griffin was moved on, did a great job at the back end of the season with the Panthers.

“So many of those young superstars that are now dominating at the top level, not just in club football but at Origin level, have such a wonderful wrap on him.”

While Alexander was upset to see Ciraldo move on from the Panthers, he believes it’s a sign that the club will continue to catapult assistant coaches into first grade gigs in the future.

“I’m excited for Cameron. It’s disappointing, but assistant coaches, everyone knows they’re about to move on. There’s been three moving on in the last two years.

“Trent Barrett left Penrith and went to the Dogs, Andrew Webster’s going to the Warriors and Cameron Ciraldo is going to the Dogs.

“Penrith’s assistant coaches, in terms of getting first grade jobs, have been pretty good.”

The hire of Ciraldo is also likely to keep five-eighth star Matt Burton at the club in a major boost to the club’s playing squad.

Ciraldo will take over a resurgent Bulldogs outfit thanks to interim coach Mick Potter’s efforts.

His departure is no doubt a massive blow to the Panthers, as Cleary must now search for two new assistans for next season following the looming exits of Ciraldo and Andrew Webster, who will take over the New Zealand Warriors in 2023.

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Nate Landwehr vs David Onama, fight of the year, reaction, latest, updates

Nate Landwehr vs David Onama, fight of the year, reaction, latest, updates

The UFC might want to start preparing a space in the Hall of Fame for a featherweight bout between Nate Landwehr and David Onama as the two slugged it out in a contest that several fans heralded as the fight of the year at UFC San Diego.

Landwehr beat Onama via majority decision (29-27 x 2, 28-28), but it was far from a straightforward victory.

Watch UFC 278: Usman v Edwards 2 LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Sunday 21 August from 12pm AEST. ORDER NOW >

Onama had the better of the exchanges in the first round and dropped the Tennessee native with a thundering right hand that caught Landwehr flush on the side of his head.

However, Onama returned to his corner at the end of the first round and looked completely gassed whilst sitting on his stool.

The fatigue showed early in the second round as Landwehr came flying out of the gates and unloaded on strikers.

It was like a big brother toying with his little brother as Landwehr took Onama down whenever he pleased.

Tough as nails Aussie makes Dana applaud | 01:28

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The 34-year-old also seemed to have multiple submissions locked in, but Onama continued to squirm out thanks to a sweaty body allowing him to elude whatever Landwehr threw his way.

Such was the dominance and lack of response from Onama that his trainer asked him if he wanted to continue fighting in between the second and third rounds, but he was keen to continue.

The third round was a grandstand finish, as Landwehr gestured to the crowd and waved his arms up and down to generate even more noise.

It lived up to the billing, as Landwehr continued to pile on the shots.

However, despite Onama’s fatigue clearly setting in, he dug deep and answered back with strikes of his own that had Landwehr scrambling.

Ultimately it was Landwehr that secured the victory and in his post-fight speech, he emphatically declared that “my mama didn’t raise no b***h baby.”

Fight fans were in awe at the slugfest they had just witnessed in San Diego.

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UFC San Diego: Josh Quinlan first-round KO victory vs. Jason Witt, video

UFC San Diego: Josh Quinlan first-round KO victory vs. Jason Witt, video

Welcome to the UFC, Josh Quinlan.

The Hawaii native has claimed a stunning one-punch knockout victory on his UFC debut, defeating American opponent Jason Witt in the first round of Sunday morning’s catchweight contest in San Diego.

Quinlan needed just over two minutes to send his rival to the canvas, throwing a well-directed hard counter left as Witt attacked his body with a kick.

Watch UFC 278: Usman v Edwards 2 LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Sunday 21 August from 12pm AEST. ORDER NOW >

The 29-year-old initially dived in for a follow-up after Witt flopped to the floor, but he thankfully restrained from attacking his dazed opponent.

“Sometimes you have to do follow-up punches … you don’t know if he’s going to recover,” Quinlan told reporters after the victory.

“Even though he hit the ground, I didn’t know if he was out or not — I didn’t know if he was going to pop up or if he was going to regain his bearings.

“I pounced on him, I was going to throw a couple more blows, but I saw he kind of went limp a little bit and the ref kind of called it out as well.

“I’m glad I was able to have that restraint, but that might not be the case all the time.

“We’re going in there to finish our opponent, and he’s going in to finish me, so I want to make sure the job’s done.

“We have to go until we’re told to stop, but I’m glad I was able to keep my composure … I’m not looking to hurt people in there, but we’re trying to bring out the best martial arts in each other.”

Quinlan, who appeared on Dana White’s Contender Seriesimproves his professional record to 6-0 (1 NC), with all of his wins coming via knockout or submission.

Witt, meanwhile, suffered a second-consecutive loss, falling to 2-4 in the UFC.

Later on the UFC San Diego card, featherweight fighter Nate Landwehr defeated David Onama via majority decision (29-27 x 2, 28-28) in an enthralling slugfest.

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UFC San Diego in Tweets: Pros react to Marlon Vera’s wicked KO of Dominick Cruz in main event

UFC San Diego in Tweets: Pros react to Marlon Vera's wicked KO of Dominick Cruz in main event

Marlon Vera joined an illustrious list at UFC San Diego.

By knocking out bantamweight legend Dominick Cruz, “Chito” joined Henry Cejudo, Cody Garbrandt, and Urijah Faber as the only fighters ever to beat Cruz. He is also the first fighter to knock Cruz out cold, which he did in the fourth round with a nasty head kick right to the face of the former UFC and WEC bantamweight champion.

This marks a career high point for Vera, who entered Saturday’s main event as the No. 7 bantamweight in MMA Fighting’s Global Rankings. He has now won four straight fights and seems poised to challenge for UFC gold in the near future.

Many of his peers agree, with UFC middleweight Julian Marquez tweeting, “The head kick that’s taking him to the top of the contender spot!” Others chimed in to add their appreciation for Vera’s incredible knockout blow and show appreciation for both fighters.

See the best reactions below and also check out what fighters had to say about the other main card fights, including a pair of thrilling three-round contests.

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Cameron Smith chasing world No 1 ranking at St Jude Championship | Sport

Cameron Smith has a huge chance to win the opening PGA Tour FedEx Cup playoffs tournament and claim the world No 1 ranking, as he surges into the final round two shots from the lead.

As speculation continues to swirl about whether he’ll jump to the rebel LIV Golf circuit, Australian world No 2 Smith birdied two of the last three holes to shoot a three-under 67 at the FedEx St Jude Championship in Memphis on Saturday.

Already the winner of the Tournament of Champions, Players Championship and British Open this year, 28-year-old Smith trails only American leader JJ Spaun (68) and second-placed Austrian Sepp Straka (68) and is in a three-way tie for third with Americans Will Zalatoris (65) and Trey Mullinax (66).

He is keenly aware that a victory would take him to the world No 1 ranking for the first time after current No 1 Scottie Scheffler missed the cut on Friday.

“That’s been one of my goals probably since the start of the year is to try to get to that top spot,” Smith said. “Try and chase it down.”

Fellow Australian Adam Scott fell to tied 25th, six shots from the lead, after a round of 70, while countryman Cam Davis (67) is tied 36th at five under.

Spaun had a two-putt birdie on the par-five 16th and holed an 18-foot birdie putt on the next hole to claim the 54-hole lead a 13-under 197. Straka was right there with him until he failed to save par from the bunker on the 18th.

Both are first-time winners on the PGA Tour this year, and a victory in a FedEx Cup playoffs even carries even more weight – $A3.78 million to the winner and a guaranteed spot at East Lake for the FedEx Cup finale.

But there are a host of players in contention, with 16 within four shots of the lead, including stars Sam Burns and Tony Finau. But no one stands out like Smith, for so many reasons.

Not only is it Smith’s first start since being introduced at St. Andrews as the “champion golfer of the year,” the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported on Tuesday that the Queenslander had signed with LIV and would join the defectors outside Boston after the PGA Tour playoffs are over.

Smith has steadfastly refused to talk about it, only to say he’s only thinking of the FedEx Cup. “I’m a man of my word and whenever you guys need to know anything, it’ll be said by me,” Smith said on Tuesday. That was shortly before a California federal judge denied a request by three LIV golfers to play in the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Distractions don’t seem to be an issue, and there is no shortage of them. “There’s definitely been a few more, but for me, I’m just trying to hit the best shot I can,” Smith said. “That’s what I’m here to do is to hit good golf shots and make birdies.”

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NRL 2022: Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks, result, Brent Naden no try, video, Brett Kimmorley, press conference

NRL 2022: Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks, result, Brent Naden no try, video, Brett Kimmorley, press conference

Interim Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley did not miss when criticizing the decision to disallow Brent Naden’s try in Saturday’s 36-12 loss to the Sharks.

The Tigers had a chance to make the scoreline a little less grim when Sharks forward Teig Wilton was sin-binned for a late shot on Daine Laurie.

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It looked as though they had capitalized off the penalty and one-man advantage when Naden ran through several Sharks players to score under the posts with just over 10 minutes to go.

However on-field referee Ben Cummins sent it up to the bunker to check for an obstruction.

Bunker official Gerard Sutton ruled that Tigers prop Zane Musgrove had obstructed Cronulla’s Royce Hunt.

“The Tigers player is in front of the ball, Royce Hunt has to then push around him to try to defend. The Tigers player is not entitled to be in front of the ball and in the line,” Sutton said.

Fox League commentator Dan Ginnane wasn’t too pleased, saying “oh goodness,” while Steve Roach added: “they had a free grab on him.”

Kimmorley acknowledged in his post-game press conference that the Sharks simply wanted the win more and their ruck speed “was the difference” in the game.

However he also took aim at the obstruction call, without being prompted, saying he was a “bit curious” to know what Musgrove was meant to do given he had ran through the line as part of a shape the Tigers were running.

“I’m not too sure where a front-rower is meant to go when we run some shape and he goes through the line and then gets back because the ball is behind him to get ready for the next play-the-ball,” Kimmorley said.

“Bit curious to know how he’s got to disappear from a game of football when he’s actually gone through and not ran into a defender as the first phase of the play… and then we go out the back and the ball goes backwards.

“We ask these players to get in shape for the next play-the-ball, which means he’s got to run backwards and all of a sudden you have to disappear.

“So I don’t know how that decision is awarded or adjudicated but I’d love to know how a player can disappear when he’s trying to get back on side to be a part of the next play-the-ball.

“Because if they’re not in shape I’m going to be criticizing them over why they’re not in shape.”

Originally published as ‘Love to know how a player can disappear’: Tigers coach tees off over obstruction call

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Jordan Mailata ‘sees red’ after ‘awful’ hit on teammate Jalen Hurts

Australian man-mountain Jordan Mailata leapt to the defense of teammate Jalen Hurts following an ‘egregiously awful’ late shot from New York’s Quincy Williams during the team’s first preseason game ahead of the season proper, which gets underway September 9 AEST.

READMORE: ‘Mocked’ All Blacks take down world champions

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Mailata, the Eagles left tackle who signed a four-year $89 million extension last season, stormed over to the sideline to confront Williams, in a hit that even had New York coach Robert Saleh less than impressed.

The incident, which happened in the first quarter, saw Hurts forced to scramble towards the sideline on a third-and-5 play for no gain.

With Hurts clearly heading for the sideline, Williams charged at the Eagles quarterback hitting him late with his helmet down as Hurts crossed the white stripe.

That prompted a heated reaction from Mailata and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, who seemed to shout the words “what the f— Saleh?” with the Eagles awarded a 15-yard penalty which ultimately led to them scoring the opening touchdown of the game.

NBCS Philadelphia journalist Dave Zangaro wrote post match: “Jordan Mailata said he was “seeing red” when Jalen Hurts took that shot on the sideline. He wouldn’t repeat what he said at the moment.”

Jets coach Saleh admitted to reporters after the game that it was a bad look and something Williams needed to address.

“Egregiously awful by Quincy,” Saleh said. “He knows that. He knows better. Those are the plays Quincy has to get out of his game if he wants to become the linebacker that we all think he can be.”

The Jets scored a 24-21 win.

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Future of All Blacks coach Ian Foster remains murky after epic win over Springboks

Future of All Blacks coach Ian Foster remains murky after epic win over Springboks

OPINION: Although the All Blacks uncorked their magic to beat the Springboks 35-23 on Sunday morning, it remains unclear if it was enough to repair the fractured relationship between Ian Foster and NZ Rugby.

It’s an issue that, one way or another, must be resolved with haste. NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson is scheduled to talk to media on Sunday (5.30pm NZT), but whether an announcement on Foster’s future is imminent is anyone’s guess.

Until then, we can only ponder the outcomes.

There’s little time to dither because in a fortnight the All Blacks will play Argentina in their next Rugby Championship match in Christchurch. Everyone – the coaches, players and fans – deserve clarity.

Halfback Aaron Smith of All Blacks coach Ian Foster take a moment to celebrate the 35-23 win over the Springboks.

Christiaan Kotze/Photosport

Halfback Aaron Smith of All Blacks coach Ian Foster take a moment to celebrate the 35-23 win over the Springboks.

Immediately after the win in Johannesburg, Foster seemed uncertain whether he still had a job. Or perhaps he was keeping that information to himself.

Regardless of who does, or doesn’t, know about what lies in store, one thing is clear: the All Blacks produced their greatest performance under Foster since he took control of the team in 2020.

Yet it remains a mystery whether the magnificent win at Ellis Park was enough to convince NZ Rugby it has got the right man in charge of its flagship team ahead of the World Cup in France next year.

Having lost five of their previous six tests, the most recent the 26-10 defeat to the Springboks on Mbombela a week earlier, Foster and his All Blacks were forced to take a deep breath and accept only they could shovel their way out of the mess that had been created.

It doesn’t get more daunting than playing the Springboks in front of 62,000 fans at 1730 meters above sea level. Yet the All Blacks, despite all the uncertainty about the future of Foster and Captain Sam Cane, displayed their character to duck, dive and counterpunch before delivering a devastating uppercut on the chin of the world champion Springboks.

The All Blacks were in good spirits after the 35-23 win against the Springboks in Johannesburg.

Kim Ludbrook/EPA via Photosport

The All Blacks were in good spirits after the 35-23 win against the Springboks in Johannesburg.

Foster, having brought fresh props Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax and blindside flanker Shannon Frizell into his pack, and with Richie Mo’unga electrifying the attack at No 10, convinced the team it was good enough to reverse its fortunes.

In the space of 80 minutes the All Blacks went a long way to helping frustrated fans forget the 2-1 series loss to Ireland by displaying courage and a wide array of skills.

First-five Richie Mo'unga helped turn the All Blacks fortunes around after making his first run-on start of the year.

Christiaan Kotze/Photosport

First-five Richie Mo’unga helped turn the All Blacks fortunes around after making his first run-on start of the year.

Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber didn’t help his team, either. The decision to bench hooker Malcolm Marx, who created chaos at the breakdowns by making four steals and was the best player on the field in Mbombela, was difficult to fathom.

Yet, even when Marx did take the park late in the 30th minute, his impact was limited by comparison to the mayhem he caused a week earlier.

The All Blacks refused to buckle, even though the Springboks charged back to take the lead for the first time after Beauden Barrett was yellow carded for obstruction in the 67th minute.

It was as if the rarified air in Jo’burg fueled the All Blacks with the confidence and zest that was so badly lacking in the first test against the Springboks, as they surged back to put David Havili and Scott Barrett in a position to score late tries.

Argentina, having humiliated the Wallabies 48-17 in San Juan after a loss a week earlier, will soon fly to Christchurch to get set for a battle in the chilly climes of the Garden City.

It just remains to be seen whether Foster will still be in charge of the All Blacks.

Cane and his mates delivered for Foster when he needed them most. Providing Foster still wants the job, the players have helped paint NZ Rugby into a corner. They have, possibly, saved Foster’s career from him.

Maybe. That’s the part we are yet to figure out.

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MLB star Fernando Tatis Jr. drug ban, caught out in ridiculous lie, Clostebol ringworm excuse

MLB star Fernando Tatis Jr. drug ban, caught out in ridiculous lie, Clostebol ringworm excuse

Not so long ago the brightest star in baseball, Fernando Tatis Jr. has turned out to be a fool who thinks everyone else is just as big a fool.

Tatis was busted by MLB on Friday for taking an anabolic steroid, and reacted by issuing a statement that it would only fly if the country had 100 per cent illiteracy or everyone’s internet were permanently down, the New York Post reported.

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Tatis said he “inadvertently” took the performance enhancing drug Clostebol to treat ringworm, and apparently either he, his agent or his marketing guy thought the world would mistake Clostebol, the synthetic anabolic steroid he was caught with, for Clobetasol, a common drug used to treat skin foods like eczema and psoriasis that also requires a prescription. Clostebol is never prescribed for skin defects or ringworm. Of course, there had actually been a medical mix-up – extremely unlikely since one is a Schedule 4 anabolic steroid and the other a common corticosteroid – he’d have documentary proof since he’d have the prescription from the doctor.

In effect, Tatis was busted again. You do not have to be an internet sleuth to disprove his unbelievable story about him. Tatis needs to employ better liars, but more than that, he needs to clean up his own act. The first half of his season was wiped out in a fit of foolishness. This is much worse.

Tatis’ 80-game PED suspension, announced Friday, stings all of baseball, but it really hurts the exciting Padres, who have energized their sleepy but beautiful burg. Padres general manager AJ Preller texted: “We have a good team. (We) will rally from this.”

Perhaps they will, but as of today they may have somewhat less faith in Tatis’s $341 million ($A477m) 14-year contract.

Tatis did say one believable thing in his statement, proclaiming he was “completely devastated” by his transgression, which we assume is true. Because he is now forever known as just another cheat among the long pantheon of cheats who have populated the game. A select few cheats show some real remorse or a hint of honesty. To this point Tatis is not one of those.

Preller, speaking about Tatis to Padres writers, said: “I think what we need to get to is a point in time where we trust. … Over the course of the last six or seven months I think that’s been something that we haven’t really been able to have.”

The Padres issued a statement saying they are “hopeful Fernando will learn from this experience.” In their statement, ringworm was not mentioned.

On the field Tatis is a prodigy. Off it, I need help.

The biggest question now is: How long has this been going on? More to the point, do we think it’s conceivable he just decided to enhance his performance via drugs while on the injured list and well after he’d already signed his $341 million deal? Or did he win his record deal partly via medicinal means?

Tatis had some amazing achievements leading up to his record contract. And now we all have to wonder about it, and them.

What’s no mystery is the disaster that is his 2022 season, which began with a wrist injury apparently suffered joy-riding on a motorbike. That injury, which he neglected to tell the team about until he showed up at spring training, wiped out 70 per cent of the season. The incredible thing about that was when he was asked whether the cycling accident caused the wrist injury, he answered, “Which one?” The implication was clear. He exercised so little caution he had had multiple motorcycle accidents.

Sadly, as it turns out, carelessness appears to be the least of his weaknesses.

This story first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission.

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NRL Rich 100: Which Broncos, Cowboys, Titans make rugby league’s big-money list?

NRL Rich 100: Which Broncos, Cowboys, Titans make rugby league's big-money list?

Daly Cherry-Evans’ reign atop the NRL Rich 100 is officially over. The Manly and Queensland captain has made way for Nathan Cleary as the Penrith Panthers talisman becomes the highest-paid player in rugby league.

News Corp can reveal that Cleary, currently sidelined after being suspended for a dangerous throw a fortnight ago, will earn $1.3 million this season, taking him past Cherry-Evans on rugby league’s millionaire’s row.

It is hard to argue with his lofty position given the way he has performed in recent years. The NRL Rich 100 has a smattering of players who probably don’t deserve to be among the game’s elite but you can’t dispute Cleary’s climb to the apex.

FULL LIST: CHECK OUT THE NRL RICH 100 BELOW

The Penrith captain has been the shining light in a Panthers side that has dominated the NRL for the past two years, culminating in their premiership win last season and taking them back to the top of the ladder this year, having lost only three games in the process.

Cleary’s ascent to the throne has been uncovered as part of an extensive News Corp investigation into the pay packets of the game’s leading players, having spoken to club officials, player agents and recruitment chiefs.

NRL Rich 100: The Origin stars snubbed from list

There are 22 new entrants in the NRL Rich 100 and four fresh faces in the top 10 — Cleary, Jesse Bromwich, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses.

Clearly has moved from 11th spot to No.1 thanks to a significant increase in his deal that takes him past Cherry-Evans, the long-time leader when it comes to player pay.

Clearly he has well and truly repaid the Panthers with his efforts on the field. No shortage of people will tell you he is the best player in the game. Now he is being paid like it.

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LISTEN: Phil Rothfield, Brent Read and David Riccio discuss the biggest revelations from the NRL Rich 100 — Nathan Cleary’s rise to the top, the big movers and the clubs under salary cap pressure.

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However, having only just left Cherry-Evans in his wake, News Corp can reveal his stint as the game’s marquee money man will be short-lived.

Clearly he has one more year on the big bucks before his selfless sacrifice of cash kicks in. As part of the five-year extension Cleary agreed with the Panthers earlier this year, he signed off on a pay cut to ensure the club would be able to surround him with quality in coming years.

If Cleary had his way, the pay cut would have kicked in straight away. However, those plans were scuppered by the NRL and a rule that prevents contracts being reduced once they have been signed, even if the player concerned agrees to a new deal.

It means Cleary’s pay cut takes effect when the extension begins in 2024. In the meantime, Cleary can enjoy the mantle as the game’s salary cap supreme for the next two years.

Of the other new faces in the top 10, the most surprising are Bromwich and Brooks.

Bromwich, who will join the Dolphins next year, is in the final year of a deal that he signed with the Storm when he was arguably regarded as the premier prop in the game.

He remains a genuine leader at Melbourne and one of their most consistent players, and his departure will be felt at the end of the season.

FULL LIST: CHECK OUT THE NRL RICH 100 BELOW

Brooks is perhaps more controversial, although he is entering the penultimate year of a big deal he signed several years ago.

The final year in 2023 is worth more than $1 million, although it remains to be seen who picks up the tab as Newcastle continue to circle Brooks as they look to end their search for a halfback.

The man they are all chasing is Clearly. The Panthers co-captain is serving a suspension at the moment for his errant spear tackle on Parramatta’s Dylan Brown but prior to his ban, Cleary had been in devastating touch for the Panthers.

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Through 14 appearances this season, the 24-year-old had forced 15 dropouts, and contributed 14 try assists and 12 linebreak assists. In his absence from him, the Panthers succumbed to Melbourne on Thursday night at home as they were held scoreless for the first time in nearly a decade.

Cleary’s value to the club was clear for all to see, Cherry-Evans remains a part of the top 10, sliding to No.2 as he nears the end of the mega-deal he signed in 2015, worth upwards of $10 million over eight years.

He recently extended that deal for a further two years and is joined in the top 10 by teammate Tom Trbojevic. After Cleary and Cherry-Evans, the other members of the top five are St George Illawarra skipper Ben Hunt, Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga and Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco.

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