The eighth Immortal Andrew Johns has labelled the Broncos move to make Payne Haas the club’s highest-ever paid player with a multimillion-dollar deal a “bargain”.
Veteran journalist Ben Dobbin revealed Brisbane powerbrokers had begun discussion with Haas’ management regarding an extension.
Speaking on Triple M, Dobbin said the new contract would make him the “richest player in the history of the Broncos”, surpassing Anthony Milford.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
The 23-year-old’s new deal will see him remain at the Red Hill club until the end of the 2027 season and Johns said the reported move would be an “absolute bargain” for the Broncos.
“There are not that many front-rowers that are worth a million dollars but he would be,” Brad Fittler said on WWOS.
“I’ve got a mate I played with at Warrington, Lee Briers, he was a really good top-line halfback and he’s there on the coaching staff (at the Broncos),” Johns said.
“He said, ‘I knew Payne Haas was a genetic freak but I’ve never ever seen anything like it’.
Ponga set for round-eight return | 01:13
MORE NRL NEWS
BIG HITS: ‘Unbelievable’ Munster shines for Storm; Roosters’ liabilities ‘stupid’ mistake
‘BRONCOS ARE MY PASSION’: Kevvie Walters inks multi-year contract extension
‘DOUEIHI’S IN THE LINE’: Mic’d up Carrigan’s genius revealed to give Broncos edge
“He wins everything at training. (He) wins the beep test, the yo-yo test.
“For a big man, his repeat speed and his efforts (are very impressive).”
Fittler, who coaches Haas at Origin level with the NSW Blues, believes the hulking prop has only improved in 2023.
The Broncos currently remain undefeated after five rounds, sitting on top of the NRL ladder.
“He’s gotten better, he seems to have now just gone to another level,” Fittler said.
Dobbin also revealed that the contract extension was “a long way down the track” and for fans to “expect an announcement”.
Storm shine in rainy Roosters clash | 01:43
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“They were shocked to lose Tom Flegler, they understood they were going to lose Herbie Farnworth,” Dobbin said.
“Corey Oates, Deine Mariner and Jesse Arthars will contend for a wing and centre spot next year. All really capable players.
“They expected Flegler to stay, he left, and now they have to keep Payne Haas. It is a long way down the track, expect an announcement (soon).
“Well over a million dollars and I think as long as they can get him, I think they’ll get him for another three years (through to the end of 2027).
“He might go year on year but my understanding is they’re a long way down the track.”
