Corey Oates reveals how much State of Origin players are paid per game - and it's much more than you think

One-time Queensland Origin star Corey Oates has revealed how much players are paid per game - and the amount is surprising.

Speaking on Robin & Kip on Brisbane's KIIS FM on Tuesday, the nine-game Maroons veteran told listeners all players in the 17-man game day squad receive $15,000 for 80 minutes work.

'[It is] $15,000 a game for Origin I'm pretty sure,' the winger said.

'I don't know what the women get paid, but I think they [NRL] tried to even it out a fair bit.'

Oates also confirmed there are no additional win bonuses - and the 18th man plus extended squad players also receive a smaller figure in their bank accounts.

'I think 18th man might get some [match payment] because obviously he's there,' the 29-year-old said.

'He's got to warm up and prep and get ready to play.  And the boys that train, probably during the week, they might get a little bit too. 

'It's not too bad. It's a bloody physical game that game. 

'It [also] brings a lot of money into our game. It is the biggest sporting game in Australia I believe, viewing wise. It gets crazy views every game. 

'So that's why I believe it's worth every penny to be honest.'

Daily Mail Australia reached out to both the Queensland and NSW Rugby League media teams to confirm the game day match payments this series across three matches.

In 2022, it was reported Origin players from both states received $30,000 per game - in addition to their NRL salaries.

It followed the amount being reduced by 50 per cent during the pandemic.

Panthers star Brian To' warmed the hearts of many footy fans after it emerged he used previous match payments from the NSW Blues to buy his parents a home in Sydney's west.

'We are going to see some finance guys,' his manager Sam Ayoub said in a 2021 interview.

'He [To'o] will put that money toward getting a loan to buy his family a new home.'

Game two of the 2024 Origin series is on June 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.