Payne Haas re-signing sparks questions over Reece Walsh's future at Broncos

Payne Haas has stunned the NRL world having re-signed for the Broncos on a $3.5 million deal until 2027, but questions have now been raised over Reece Walsh's contract for the club. Speculation was running wild over Haas' pending contract with interest from rugby union and other NRL clubs.

While it was expected Haas would wait till the November 1 deadline to make his decision, Haas surprised the NRL world on Tuesday having re-signed for the Broncos till 2027. Haas will be earning the most per year for a forward, $1.2 million a season, in the game's history.

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Broncos fans will be thrilled to have secured the contract of the devastating 23-year-old for another few seasons. However, NRL experts have questioned the Broncos' decision to splash big on the prop with a number of other stars on the roster earning considerably less with their contracts running out.

And attention has turned to arguably the biggest name in the NRL right now. Walsh's rise in 2023 has been extraordinary with the 21-year-old staking his claim as the best player of the season so far.

The fullback was a standout in his two Origin appearances for the Maroons and has led the Broncos to second on the ladder with three games to go. Yet, the fullback was brought to the Broncos from the Warriors on a reported $400,000-500,000 deal.

His contract ends in 2026 with the fullback already proving his mega worth on and off the field. And the NRL 360 panel argued that the star was worth upwards of $1 million in today's market. Add in the likes of Selwyn Cobbo, Adam Reynolds and Kurt Capewell all coming off contact in the next few years, Braith Anasta questioned how the Broncos would deal with the salary cap ordeal.

“If the front-rowers are receiving $1.2 million a year, what’s his (Walsh) value at and can they afford him now?” Braith Anasta said on the panel. And NRL reporter Dave Riccio admitted it was going to be hard to fit them all under the salary cap.

“It’s going to be an absolute juggling act on how this stunning Broncos side stays together because at the end of 2024 Adam Reynolds is off contract. Reece Walsh comes off contract in two years,” he added. "Everybody knows in the game that you don’t wait until 2025 to start negotiating with Reece Walsh, you got to do it now.

“Also off contract at the end of next season is Kurt Capewell, a pretty significant leader at that club. Billy Walters, coming of age now. Ezra Mam is also coming off contract Then you go to 2025 and you got Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs. So on the back of Payne Haas, sensational news, but the work now really begins to keep it together.”

Payne Haas leaves Rugby Union door open

One of the other interesting factors in Haas' contract was the length. Signing till 2027 leaves the door open for a potential rugby union switch.

There was talk that a rugby union club had offered Haas a huge contact, before re-signing with the Broncos. And Anasta added that he felt like it was a 'smart' ploy from Haas to leave the door open for a potential switch.

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