Some of the game's biggest stars could receive a major payday for their participation in next year's State of Origin clash in February.
Chris Scott and Dean Cox will compile the Victoria and Western Australia sides for the Optus Stadium contest.
According to Channel 7's Mitch Cleary, players "will earn a base contract of $20,000 to play... which can expand to $45,000 including marketing deals with Tourism WA".
It is a major upgrade from the last AFL State of Origin in 1999, when players received a fee of around $2,000.
Collingwood's Nick Daicos is set to benefit from the cash reward due to his on-field stardom and incredible marketability as one of the game's best players.
Players will earn a base contract of $20,000 to play AFL Origin in February… which can expand to $45,000 including marketing deals with Tourism WA.
Nick Daicos among the stars eager to play and will be the first name on Victorian coach Chris Scott’s whiteboard@7NewsMelbourne
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) November 11, 2025
Scott all but confirmed that Daicos would be hard to leave out of the Big V side.
The Geelong premiership coach also said that Charlie Curnow is likely to line up alongside the Pies' father-son gun while Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli is expected to don the guernsey.
Melbourne legend Garry Lyon will assist Scott with the team selection following his announcement as the Chief Selector of Victoria.
Two-time premiership Eagle Glen Jakovich was named Western Australia's selector.
