Queensland great Darren Lockyer is not worried about Payne Haas testing his value on the open market, revealing he believes the star prop will commit to a future with the Broncos.
Contracted until the end of 2024, Haas is set to explore all options come November 1, joining the NRL open market.
Haas’ manager revealed the star had already received interest from rival clubs and football leagues including the NFL, but insists a decision on where he will play will not be determined based on money.
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Lockyer – who is a director and board member at the Broncos – believes Haas’ intention in the open market is to not leave Red Hill but rather to find his true value.
“I think going on the open market doesn’t mean Payne wants to leave the Broncos,” Lockyer said on Wide World of Sports QLDER.
“I think it’s just about testing his value.
“There is no doubt that I think Payne is worth seven figures but I think he wants to go test the market and see what people would pay for him.”
Haas made his debut at the Broncos in 2018 under former coach Wayne Bennett and has excelled to become a powerhouse figure for Kevin Walters’ side.
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Queensland legend Wally Lewis said he does not see an issue with Haas entering the open market but can not see the New South Wales sensation choosing to sign with another club.
“[Haas’ departure] must be of some concern,” Lewis said.
“I don’t think there would be too many Broncos fans or those involved with the club that would be all that keen to see him missing in action.
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“I think that he would probably prefer to stay at the Broncos.
“If he wants to go on the open market, that’s fine but… [his future at the Broncos] will depend on what the coach sees his prime role in this particular team is.
“Twenty years ago if you said you would pay a million dollars for a front-rower you would get laughed at… but he certainly is a very powerful player.”
Lockyer said if Haas was to leave, he would not be easily replaced.
“There is no doubt he would leave a massive hole,” he said.
“There have been a few games where the Broncos haven’t had Payne in the team and they’ve won and they’ve done well.
“Payne’s always said he wants to win premierships. Had the Broncos been sitting in the bottom eight this year and he wanted to go on the market, you would be worried.
“But the player that he is, he would leave a massive hole.”
The Broncos will next take on the Rabbitohs on Friday at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
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