Broncos have funds to re-sign more big guns: Walters

Joel Gould | August 18, 2023

Brisbane will be able to keep other key players long-term after locking up prop Payne Haas on a multi-million-dollar extension, coach Kevin Walters says.

Haas is now secured at the Broncos until the end of 2026 but key players including include captain Adam Reynolds, second-rowers Kurt Capewell, Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura, five-eighth Ezra Mam and hooker Billy Walters are off contract at the end of 2024.

They will become free agents from November 1.

Star fullback Reece Walsh is tied to Brisbane until the end of 2025 but the Broncos will likely need to upgrade his deal after a stellar season.

“There’s enough there. There’s a big pie these days. The salary cap is big enough,” Walters said.

“There is only so much in the salary cap (though) and we have to be really smart on who we spend that money on.

“Payne is a priority for us and we have that done. There’s still Walsh and Ezra, and guys coming through that also need to be identified.”

Walters said it had “always been the mantra to hang onto the players you want to keep”, with his job – and those of Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy and recruitment chief Simon Scanlan – to “make sure the players that belong in the jersey stay in a Broncos jersey”.

The re-signing of Haas could not have come at a better time. The Broncos are second on the NRL ladder and on track to go deep into the finals.

“We have a big couple of weeks in front of us and I want to make sure that boat is sailing smoothly. We want to keep it on those (smooth) waters,” Walters said.

“I don’t know the ceiling of this team and where they can get to, but I know we are a very good side. 

“Looking short-term and not long-term, the contents are here for a very successful club over the next four or five years. 

“That means hanging onto some players; guys like Payne wanting to get better, and Walshy and Ezra.”

The Haas signing represents the biggest financial investment the Broncos have made in a player.

“We are very comfortable with what’s happened,” Walters said.

“We understand where Payne is at. He is only 23 so you can imagine him in 12 months time, where his football will take this club. 

“Great players like Payne help everyone and make them better.”