3. Will Hopoate – Parramatta Eels

$800,000 until 2015

You know you have made an impression in your NRL career when you can walk away for a religious apprenticeship, return, and still command a fee that is the third highest in the NRL this season.

But that is what Will Hopoate has done after returning to the playing ranks, with the 21-year-old commanding an impressive $800,000 from the Parramatta Eels who are desperate to get off the bottom of the ladder.

Despite having played just 22 games for the Manly Sea Eagles, Hopoate has his potential validated when he played one game for the New South Wales Blues in 2011, and if he can return to the try-scoring form 2010-2011, he could add to that tally this year.