“Broncos to make difficult decisions”: Ignored ramifications of Haas’ $3.4 bombshell as competitors get near

The Broncos have been cautioned about the potential repercussions of their efforts to retain Payne Haas, as doing so might unsettle two of their promising emerging talents. Haas has declined a lucrative three-year extension valued at $1.1 million per season, which would establish him as the highest-paid player in Broncos history, preferring to explore his market value.

Reports indicate that the Bulldogs, Storm, and Roosters, along with several other clubs, are keenly interested in acquiring the services of the Broncos’ standout player, setting off a competitive bidding war.

Braith Anasta expressed his admiration for Haas’s talent, suggesting that any club would benefit from his presence, particularly highlighting potential improvements for the Bulldogs and Roosters if they were to secure Haas. Meanwhile, Paul Crawley cautioned the Broncos against overspending on Haas, emphasizing the need to allocate funds for upgrading two key players in their spine, Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh, both of whom have shown promise and are due for significant contract upgrades. Crawley also raised the question of whether players like Matt Burton, currently at the Bulldogs, would be happier and perform better by staying at their current clubs for potentially less money but with greater prospects for winning championships.

Mam’s contract expires in 2024, and Walsh’s in 2025, necessitating potential upgrades as early as the start of 2024 to keep them satisfied after their impressive performances in the 2023 season. Anasta underscored the importance of considering these factors in the decision-making process regarding player contracts.

Dave Riccio warned prospective clubs interested in Haas about the potential consequences of offering excessively high salaries to a prop forward, citing the example of the Titans’ experience with David Fifita’s lucrative deal. Riccio questioned whether the Bulldogs would be willing to match or exceed the Broncos’ offer to secure Haas’s services.

Crawley urged the NRL to ensure that any rival club willing to pay Haas a substantial salary would have to allocate the full amount to their salary cap from day one, citing past instances of discrepancies in salary cap allocations, such as Jack Wighton’s move to Souths. He also acknowledged the tough decisions facing both the Broncos and their players due to salary cap constraints and the potential impact of Haas’s contract on the rest of the team.

Gorden Tallis expressed confusion over Haas’s motivations for leaving the Broncos, given their strong position in the league and his status as one of the highest-paid players. Anasta speculated whether Haas’s friendship with Sonny Bill Williams could influence his decision, particularly in favor of the Bulldogs.

Riccio acknowledged the Bulldogs’ leveraging of Haas’s relationship with Williams but emphasized that financial considerations would ultimately determine Haas’s choice of club over a long-term deal. Tallis questioned Williams’s allegiances amid his connections with both the Bulldogs and the Roosters.

Crawley warned Haas about potentially missing out on the opportunity for long-term success at the Broncos if he prioritizes a higher salary elsewhere, suggesting that staying with the Broncos could offer him the chance to be part of a promising future dynasty.