EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould’s jaw-dropping $1.5 million assessment of Payne Haas as rival teams take an interest

The future of Payne Haas continues to stir conversation in the league arena, and now one of the sport’s most revered voices has thrown in a striking prediction regarding the Broncos star.

Currently, Haas is set to exit his contract at the conclusion of the 2026 season, meaning he will be available for rival teams starting from November this year.

Unsurprisingly, the Brisbane Broncos are keen to retain their star player for the long haul, but the financial incentives on offer from across the NRL could tempt him away.

The upcoming introduction of the Perth expansion team, scheduled to join the competition in 2027, has further complicated Haas’s decision-making process.

Initial reports suggest the Bears have identified the 25-year-old as their primary target, which is hardly surprising given his esteemed reputation within the sport.

While Haas is already rumoured to be earning a seven-figure salary at Red Hill, there are indications that his market value could soar even higher as he establishes himself as not just the best forward in the game, but potentially one of the top players in the world overall.

During an appearance on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus, Phil Gould, a respected figure in rugby league and current Bulldogs head honcho, was queried on what it might take for the Bears to entice the prop away from the Broncos ahead of their debut season.

His response presents a concerning reality for all concerned—apart from Haas and his management.

“I don’t believe you could entice Payne Haas with $1.5 million to move to Perth,” he remarked.

“Why would he consider the move? I doubt there’s a sum great enough that would sway Haas, or that he’d even have an interest in relocating to Perth.

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“I could be mistaken… but it would require a monumental offer to convince him to leave the Brisbane Broncos for a fledgling franchise in Perth.

“Not every club possesses the financial capability to spend that much on a front-row forward, and not all clubs prioritise front-rowers to that extent within their top 30 budgets.

“That’s simply the reality; he’s an exceptional talent, yet I struggle to see a financial incentive substantial enough to lure him away from Brisbane, especially to Perth.”

Few players in rugby league consistently impact their teams like Haas does for the Broncos week after week.

Surrounded by a squad of superstars, Haas shines in nearly every match, and many astute observers are predicting that he may achieve a rare distinction as a middle-forward by clinching this year’s prestigious Dally M Medal.

While it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Haas to make the move to Perth, it’s highly improbable—hence Gould’s advice for the officials of the 18th franchise to recognise the “reality” of the situation and conduct deeper evaluations from a recruitment standpoint.

“It’s not going to be easy for Perth in any respect,” he added. “Especially considering the current market conditions.”

“When they face the reality of the costs involved… they’ll need a strategic approach to recruitment to field a competitive side.”

“Extensive research is vital. Top clubs have young talents whose pathways may be obstructed by established stars.”

“That’s how talents like Izzy Katoa end up at the Dolphins—no one knew of him, but he had Nathan Cleary ahead of him at the Panthers. Similarly, the Broncos might have young forwards stalled by Patty Carrigan and Payne Haas.”

“Identifying those young talents within the top clubs is essential, as they may be ready to break into the NRL more quickly than expected.”