Deal won’t be a Payne in backside: Kev
KEVIN Walters insists signing Payne Haas to a six-year deal would not be a risk as the Broncos coach dismissed speculation the Brisbane prop is unhappy at Red Hill.
On the eve of Brisbane’s clash against the Sharks on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium, Walters confirmed that the Broncos board has approved a six-year offer for Haas to remain at the club until the end of 2027.
Brisbane and Haas are in no immediate rush to ink the offer, with the NSW Origin enforcer already contracted until 2024, although the Broncos are confident the upgrade will be finalised in the coming months.
There were reports Haas is refusing to sign the deal, fuelling speculation of tensions between the prop and the Broncos, but Walters insists Brisbane’s No.1 bookend has no intention of quitting the NRL’S richest club.
“We are very keen to maintain Payne here,” Walters said.
“Dave (Donaghy, CEO), Ben (Ikin, football boss) and Simon (Scanlan, recruitment chief) are working through the process on a possible long-term deal for Payne, which is great news for us.
“I don’t think it’s a risk (signing him to a six-year deal), particularly with Payne and his attitude towards his football.
“The thing with Payne is he is still contracted with us, so we aren’t too concerned (about completing the deal).
“He is playing good football, he has had his best season this year and while he continues on that path, he is only 21, he is a good long-term prospect for us.
“I see it (signing Haas for six years) as a good long-term investment for the Broncos.”
Despite Brisbane’s lowly placing, Haas has had a superb individual campaign, charging for 3017 metres at an average of 167m per game and amassing 633 tackles and 64 tackle busts.
Haas, who plays his 60th NRL game against the Sharks, is viewed as a future Broncos captain and Walters lauded his relentless quest for consistency.
“He is the perfect example of a Broncos player,” Walters said.