Haas nabs $3.4m deal to remain at Broncos
BRISBANE monster Payne Haas has signed the richest deal for a teenager in NRL history, inking a massive $3.4 million extension with the Broncos.
The Broncos have moved to stave off a poaching threat for the most promising young prop in the NRL after securing the 18-year-old until the end of 2024 on a contract worth almost $700,000 a season.
It eclipses the mega deal signed last year by teenage sensation Kalyn Ponga, who reportedly inked a five-year deal with the Knights worth $3 million.
Haas, a graduate of the Keebra Park State High School system on the Gold Coast, was already contracted to the Broncos until the end of next year but Brisbane have issued a lucrative five-year extension, effectively making the upgraded deal a six-year package.
It may be seen as a huge gamble by the Broncos given Haas has played just three first-grade games and recently underwent a shoulder reconstruction after a brutal introduction to the NRL.
But Broncos coach Wayne Bennett is convinced Haas will become a 10-year first-grader and a future Origin star and has kept him at Red Hill for the long term after handing the 116kg hulk his NRL debut against Souths this year.
Haas’ father Gregor said the key to his son’s record retention was master coach Bennett.
“Payne is really happy at the Broncos. Wayne has been great for him,” Gregor said.
Last month Gregor also said money was not a driving force for his son or the family.
“I’ve told Payne I don’t care about money, I don’t want your money,” he said.
“I just want him to be happy in rugby league and he’s very happy at the Broncos. Wayne Bennett is the key for Payne. He understands him. Payne won’t go anywhere as long as Wayne is around.”