Rugby league icon, Phil Gould, has voiced his disapproval of Payne Haas becoming the highest-paid player in the game as he enters the market. Haas, a star for the Broncos, recently announced that he is open to negotiations with other clubs starting November 1, and it has since been revealed that all 16 clubs have expressed their interest in him. Despite the demand, Gould believes that Haas should not be the highest earner in the competition, especially considering his position as a front rower.
Gould, speaking on the Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus podcast, explained his reasoning, “I don’t know how many clubs have won premierships with the front rower as the highest-paid player in the club.” Currently, the highest-paid player in the competition is believed to be Kalyn Ponga, the fullback for the Newcastle Knights, who earns $1.4 million per season.
However, Gould acknowledged that Haas is an exceptional player. “I can understand one of the lower teams in the competition making him the highest-paid player in the game because he can turn your club around and change a club,” he said. “They’re a fairly rare commodity, I haven’t seen anything like him in my time. The best front rowers I’ve seen have high work rates and can play long minutes, but Haas is on another level.”
Gould also emphasized the importance of playmakers in a team’s success, stating that while Haas can make a significant difference, the success ultimately lies with the 7, 6, and 1 positions. “Everyone needs a big forward, and I can see him earning in the million-dollar category in a top side, but he can’t do it alone. He will need playmakers to do it.”
Haas has been a crucial player for the Broncos since his debut in 2018 and has won the club’s Paul Morgan Medal for Player of the Year for four consecutive years. As he approaches his 100th game, Haas is set to play in the finals for the first time since 2019. Gould attributes part of the Broncos’ recent improvement to the inclusion of Adam Reynolds and Reece Walsh in the team’s spine.
In terms of rumors about Haas potentially joining the Bulldogs, Gould dismissed them by saying, “I don’t know if he’s ever been to Belmore.” It remains to be seen which club will secure the highly sought-after player’s services.
In conclusion, while acknowledging Haas’ exceptional talent, Phil Gould believes that making him the highest-paid player in the game may not be justified, considering his position as a front rower. He emphasizes the importance of playmakers and team dynamics in achieving success in the competition.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
