1. Jonathan Thurston – North Queensland Cowboys

$1,000,000 until 2017

Arguably the best player in the world, North Queensland Cowboys captain Jonathan Thurston is paid accordingly, after re-signing with the club for four years at a million dollars a year.

Turning down proposed deals from Sydney-based clubs, Thurston stayed true to the club he has played 190 games for.

The 30-year-old, when on his day which happens more often than not, can make opposing defences look foolish with his vision and his ability to make the right choice when on the attack, second to none.

When you combine his goal-kicking into the mix and his ability to cross the line himself, Thurston is one of the best playmakers ever seen in the NRL and, justifies his paycheck.