Professional athletes Victor Radley and Jack Ginnivan, who command salaries far beyond the average Australian's wildest dreams, have been left utterly astonished by the current state of petrol prices at the bowser. Their reactions, shared on social media, highlight the widespread shock felt by motorists across the nation as fuel costs continue to climb.
Victor Radley's Expensive Refuel
Sydney Roosters lock Victor Radley, who has yet to play a match this season following sanctions related to an alleged drugs scandal last year, recently posted a video to Instagram. The footage shows him filling up his Ford Raptor at a service station, where he paid 259.9 cents per litre. The refill cost him at least $150, and had he completely filled the vehicle's 80-litre tank, the total would have approached a staggering $208.
Radley, currently on a deal worth an estimated $700,000 per season, captioned the post 'Blink and it'll be empty again' and was seen bursting into laughter upon viewing the receipt. His social media update drew comments from current and former teammates, including Dylan Napa and Mark Nawaqanitawase, with former Rooster Eloni Vunakece joking, 'Whole month's pay there.' Napa simply added 'Lol,' while Nawaqanitawase wrote, 'Yep well played sir.'
Jack Ginnivan's Fuel Shock in Victoria
Across the border in Victoria, Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan is facing similar dismay at the petrol pump. In a separate video posted to TikTok, Ginnivan revealed he paid a whopping $297 to fill the entire tank of his Nissan Patrol at 249.9 cents per litre. The 23-year-old exclaimed, '$300 (or just under)... f**k me. We're in trouble,' capturing the frustration of many drivers.
Like Radley, Ginnivan's substantial petrol bill is unlikely to strain his finances severely, as he is set to earn approximately $300,000 this season. However, his reaction underscores the broader impact of rising fuel costs, which have surged in recent weeks due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Government Response and Broader Context
The footy stars' comments coincide with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's announcement of a 50 per cent reduction in the fuel excise tax. This measure is expected to lead to a decrease in petrol prices, offering some relief to consumers after the recent explosive increases. The situation highlights how even high-earning individuals are not immune to the economic pressures affecting everyday Australians, with fuel prices becoming a significant concern across all income brackets.
As motorists nationwide grapple with these costs, the experiences of Radley and Ginnivan serve as a vivid reminder of the ongoing challenges in the energy market and the need for effective policy interventions to mitigate financial strain on households and businesses alike.
