how much do nrl refs get paid

NRL referees' pay varies based on experience, seniority, and match importance. Entry-level referees earn around $50,000 annually. Top-tier NRL referees can earn over $300,000 per year, including match fees and bonuses. A recent agreement led to a significant pay rise, with leading referees like Gerard Sutton and Ashley Klein earning above $300,000. The minimum wage for referees has increased beyond a previous base of $105,000, reflecting a tiered salary structure. State of Origin referees share about $11,000 per game among four officials. This salary level puts referees on par with officials in other major Australian sports and reflects the demanding, critical role they play in the game.