Promising prop Payne Haas signs massive six-year, $3.4 million deal with Brisbane
PAYNE Haas has become the richest teenager in NRL history, signing a new deal with the Broncos that eclipses even Kalyn Ponga’s monster deal.
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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 Haas until the end of 2024 on a contract worth almost $700,000 per season.
It eclipses the mega-deal signed last year by teenage sensation Kalyn Ponga, who reportedly linked a five-year deal with the Knights worth $3 million.
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Haas was already contract 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 has kept him at Red Hill for the long term after handing the 116kg hulk his NRL debut against Souths this year.
Speaking exclusively to The Courier-Mail, 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.
“Payne always loved his football. I remember even as a little boy, the only way to get him to sit still was to switch on the TV and put the rugby league on.”
Broncos front-row great Petero Civoniceva believes Haas will become a destructive force in the engine room.
“He is so impressive,” Civoniceva said.
“I am so happy to see how the Broncos have handled him this year.
“Despite his young age, he has a level of maturity to get an opportunity. Wayne wouldn’t blood him unless he had total faith in his ability so it’s great he’s had an opportunity to play first grade this year.
“He has a massive future in front of him.”
Originally published as Promising prop Payne Haas signs massive six-year, $3.4 million deal with Brisbane