MAT McBriar could pocket $50,000 for his maiden trip to the Pro Bowl this weekend, but an even bigger pay day is awaiting the Dallas Cowboys punter.
After producing the best NFL performance by a punter in 43 years this season, Australian McBriar is tipped to break the $US1 million ($1.29 million) mark when the Cowboys offer him a new contract in the coming weeks.

McBriar, who signed a one-year deal worth a reported $US385,000 in 2006, becomes a restricted free agent next month, but will be high on the Cowboys' player-retention list after earning Pro Bowl honours during a stunning season.

A lucrative long-term deal may be in the offing, but, at the very least, Dallas will likely need to offer the 27-year-old a minimum $US1.3 million next season to ward off rival teams.

Judging by his performances in 2006, it would be money well spent.

In just his third year in the pros, McBriar led the NFL in punting - averaging 48.2 yards per kick, the highest season mark since 1963.

He also became just the second Australian after mentor Darren Bennett to be named to the Pro Bowl.

After getting his first taste of playoff football this season, McBriar is keen to stay with the Cowboys.

"I love it out there and I hope to stay there for a while," he told reporters in Honolulu ahead of the Pro Bowl.

On Sunday (AEDT) he will represent the NFC in American football's showpiece event at Aloha Stadium.

Players from the winning team in the annual AFC-NFC clash receive $US40,000, while the losers each take home $US20,000.

The all-star game is something of a homecoming for McBriar, who spent three years at the University of Hawaii.

While its been nearly five years since he left college, the Victorian remains a UH football favourite.

Most punters would struggle to rate even a mention amongst such high-profile company during Pro Bowl week.

But with plenty of local media interest, McBriar was something of a star attraction after the NFC's first practice on Tuesday.

He was the last player to leave the field because of interview commitments, with media commenting he was the most popular punter in Pro Bowl history.

McBriar has reportedly brought an entourage of 18 family and friends for his first Pro Bowl, and will head back home to Australia after the match.

As a restricted free agent, Dallas has until March 1 to offer McBriar a new contract.

Before then, though, the Cowboys are expected to have signed their new head coach following the retirement of Bill Parcells.

Dallas owner and general manager Jerry Jones has already interviewed nine candidates for the position. That figure is expected to reach double figures by the time an announcement is made, likely within the next week.