Broncos’ $2m man to ink mega extension; Bulldogs skipper eyes huge deal — Transfer Whispers

Payne Haas is set to shun the R360 rebel league and sign a mega Broncos extension that could make him the NRL’s first $2 million a season player.

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The Daily Telegraph reported Haas is set to sign a bumper new Broncos deal until at least the end of 2028, before the November 1 deadline.

Haas’ management has reportedly hired a Brisbane marketing firm to maximise the star prop’s brand power and potential earnings to allow him to shun the riches on offer elsewhere and remain at the Broncos long-term.

The huge boost for the Broncos comes as Haas was being chased for a big money switch to the new R360 rugby union competition.

Haas could earn $2.2 million a season with the rebel league that ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys labelled “pie in the sky”.

R360 reportedly have a September 30 deadline to sign new players, but Haas’ agent Ahmad Merhi claims his client is set to sign a multi-year extension with Brisbane.

“If Cameron Munster moves to Perth, maybe Payne will move to Melbourne to play five-eighth,” Merhi said sarcastically.

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“I’ve had no contact with anyone from R360.

“If it is legitimate, I’m happy to chat to them about my client, but Payne is happy at the Broncos and wants to win a premiership.

“After the way the Broncos played the other night, they are a big chance this year.”

Off-contract at the end of 2026, Haas is free to negotiate with rivals from November 1 and he would be the most sought after signing in the game as the NRL’s No.1 prop.

However, Haas has no desire to leave the Broncos and his agent has been in constant talks with the club for the past six months over an extension.

Haas is set to sign a new deal for 2027 and beyond, according to his agent.

“I know where Payne’s heart is and it’s with the Broncos,” Merhi said.

“There’s no plan to go to the open market.

“I’m confident we’ll have a new deal done before November 1 which would be great for Payne and the Broncos.”

The 25-year-old has scored 13 tries in 139 games for the Broncos since his debut in 2018 and has played 17 Origins for the Blues and four Tests for the Kangaroos to date.

The 2023 Grand Final loss to the Panthers burns Haas and a premiership looms as his final hurdle in rugby league, but winning it could mean he leaves to pursue other opportunities elsewhere in the future.

CRICHTON SET TO SIGN MONSTER BULLDOGS EXTENSION

Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton is reportedly set to sign a $5 million long-term extension to keep him at the Bulldogs until the end of the 2030 season.

The Daily Telegraph reported Crichton is set to sign a three-year extension on top of his current deal, which expires in 2027.

The new deal is worth approximately $1 million a season, which includes significant upgrades for 2026 and 2027.

The star centre’s current contract is worth a reported $850,000 a season.

Crichton’s manager Sam Ayoub met with Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould on Wednesday.

“I’ve got no comment to make until it’s finalised,” Ayoub said.

“We don’t conduct our negotiations through the media.”

Crichton is still just 24 and has scored 69 tries in 141 NRL games for the Panthers and Bulldogs since his NRL debut in 2019, including 13 from 41 in his first two seasons at Belmore.

The three-time premiership winner has also scored three tries in 12 Origins for the Blues and four tries in six Tests for Samoa to date.

The Bulldogs are also in talks to extend fullback Connor Tracey, putting an end to rumours they are chasing Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga.

And coach Cameron Ciraldo is well down the track in talks for an extension which will line up with Crichton’s three year extension from 2027 when his current deal expires.

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