THE great Johnathan Thurston is poised to become rugby league's first $1 million-a-season player.

The game's new collective bargaining agreement reveals huge bonuses for the NRL's elite players as it emerged the Broncos and Sharks had joined the race for the Queensland and Test superstar.

On top of his next club contract, which is expected to be worth $850,000-a-season, Thurston can now earn more than $250,000 in extras.

The biggest boost in the recently finalised CBA is rep football payments that have more than doubled.

Origin matches are now worth $30,000 per game and Tests $20,000. It means someone who plays in all three Origins and World Cup games at the end of the season will pick up $160,000.

Players in the superstar category such as Thurston can also now earn $100,000 on the marquee player allowance.

Other bonuses include cars being made available for 11 players at every club. Previously it was only three.

Such is Thurston's standing in the game, his manager Sam Ayoub has not been shopping him around the clubs. Instead, they have been knocking his door down.

The champion halfback or five-eighth is in no hurry to make a decision.

Ayoub met with Cowboys officials last week for further talks. They remain the favourites. But, according to sources, the Broncos have emerged as the biggest threat.

They are desperate to find a playmaker who can deliver another premiership to Brisbane.

Thurston and his manager are closely considering what clubs can offer in life after football as this will be his last playing contract.

The fact the Broncos are in a one-team town, with such huge corporate support, weighs heavily in their favour.

Cronulla have emerged as the late player on the scene with officials believed to be meeting Thurston's advisers over the weekend.

The collective bargaining agreement reveals the salary cap will be $5.2 million this year, $5.6 million in 2014 before going to $5.85 million in 2015.

While $6.1 million has been earmarked for the following year, the NRL has agreed for a re-assesment at the completion of the 2015 season.