Rugby league guru Phil Gould has cast doubt over whether Broncos juggernaut Payne Haas is really worth $1 million a season, amid a reported twist in the front-rower’s contract talks.
Nine rugby league reporter Danny Weidler told 100% Footy on Monday night that Haas’ new management team was set to call for an increase in the 22-year-old’s pay.
According to Weidler, Haas is in line to earn $798,000 in 2023 and $848,000 in 2024, but his management wants those figures “bumped up” and the Broncos will “have some issues” if they don’t bow at the requests.
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Weidler also claimed on the back of his talks with Haas’ management that the State of Origin prop was worth $1 million a season.
That remark prompted Gould to reveal his skepticism over Haas’ worth and true motivation.
“It’s interesting you say market value a million dollars. I don’t know how you come up (with) that figure,” Gould said.
“If I’m going to pay a player a million dollars, he’s winning you 60-70 per cent of games. That’s what I see as a million-dollar player.
“And as I’ve said many times, I don’t see many million-dollar players in the NRL. There’s a lot more getting it than are actually worth it.
“When you’re paying particularly a forward that sort of money, I don’t see how (Haas) wins you that percentage of games to justify the cost.”
North Queensland’s Jason Taumalolo and Gold Coast’s David Fifita are the only forwards in the NRL making $1 million a season.
Haas has played 64 NRL games since debuting with the Broncos in round eight, 2018.
He’s also made seven appearances with the New South Wales Blues and two for Australia.
Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.
In light of the extraordinary amount of money Haas has already earned and is set to receive of the remainder of his career, Gould asked if dollar signs were really his chief priority.
“I don’t think money should ever be a problem for him, so… ‘Where does Haas want to play?’ I think is going to be the big thing,” Gould said.
“I don’t think holding money over the Broncos’ heads is actually the reason; it’s whether or not he thinks his best place is at Brisbane if they’re going to be a struggling team. He wants to win premierships and play representative football.”
Haas has the chance at the Broncos to lead the Brisbane club to its first NRL premiership since 2006.
The Broncos have finished sixth, eighth, last and 14th in Haas’ time at the club.
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