Brisbane boss Dave Donaghy has opened up on the contract situation and future of gun prop Payne Haas.
The 22-year-old behemoth has fast become one of the best front-rowers in the NRL, cementing his place in the NSW Origin team and carrying the Broncos on his back at times during the last three years.
His current contract ties him to Red Hill until the end of 2024, when he will be earning about $800,000 a season.
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But recent speculation suggests Haas and his team are keen to test his value on the open market, where it’s believed he could earn upwards of $1 million annually.
Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns recently told Wide World of Sports he believes Haas will end up at the Roosters.
The rumours have only been fuelled by a fresh scandal where Haas and his teammate Albert Kelly have been suspended for drunkenly fighting during a trip to Sydney last month.
The Brisbane culture is being questioned, and used by sceptics to affirm the belief Haas wants to leave the Queensland capital.
Donaghy was asked directly about the Haas situation by 4BC radio host Peter Psaltis.
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“Payne is incredibly committed to the Broncos, as we are to Payne,” Donaghy said.
“It’s an amazing ride for a young man who has really become one of the lead enforcers across the competition.
“Payne has committed until the end of 2024, so I think any discussion about Payne and contracts is well and truly premature.
“We’re looking forward to seeing him blossom over the next couple of years… and working on the (club) environment to ensure he wants to continue to learn and grow at our football club.”
Since Wayne Bennett was sensationally pushed out of Red Hill in 2018 the Broncos have nosedived.
Anthony Seibold’s ill-fated tenure as head coach was brutally cut short on the way to the club’s first ever wooden spoon in 2020.
Kevin Walters’ return to lead the resurgence hasn’t exactly set the world on fire, and critics say the “culture” at Red Hill has gone sour, leading to poor results on the field.
Donaghy arrived a year ago to take control, alongside new football director Ben Ikin, and he is confident the club is on track to become an NRL powerhouse once more.
“It’s certainly something we are committed to. We’ve put a plan in place,” Donaghy said.
“We know we’re not perfect, but we’ve got a wonderful group of really committed young men and young women.
“It’s about providing the right environment to ensure that culture progresses the way it is, and continues to do so.
“That’s raising the standards and raising the bar around what’s acceptable and what’s not, and we’ll continue to work incredibly hard.
“We are not quite there yet, but we’re committed to that path.”
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