The first target for Western Australia’s potentially new NRL franchise has been revealed, with Payne Haas reportedly on top of the organisation’s hit list.
While official confirmation is yet to be announced, the Perth-based side, likely to be named the Western Bears, could come into the competition in 2027.
This will mean players who will enter the final season of their contracts next year will be available for offers from November 1.
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Payne Haas of the Broncos. Getty
On Nine’s 100% Footy, 9news and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas revealed the Broncos prop is set to garner interest from the new franchise.
“I was speaking to people in Brisbane today, they’re aware of this, they’ve had conversations internally and they’re going to move to try and make sure Payne Haas isn’t a free agent by November 1,” he said.
“There will be a phone call in the next week or two, they want to sit down with Payne Haas and extend his deal, make him the richest forward in the history of the game.”
In early April, Broncos director Darren Lockyer denied talk the Broncos would offer a 10-year deal to the rampaging forward.
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Lockyer said there was too much “risk” involved with the deal.
The addition of a Western Australian side will present issues for clubs trying to tie down players, with the potential for the new franchise to offer big money deals.
Phil Gould admitted an inflation of the market is on the horizon.
“Throughout history, every time there’s been a new franchise introduced to the game there’s been an inflation of player payments, early contract signings to keep the one’s you want to keep or we know that the new club’s going to be investing 12 months in advance,” he said.
“It’s a delicate situation but I don’t think there’s any panic out there at the moment.”
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