It's the richest NRL deal in history for a teenager.
But Wayne Bennett has revealed 18-year-old Payne Haas knocked back more lucrative offers to re-sign with Brisbane on a bumper six year, $3.4-million extension.
And the Broncos coach reckoned Haas' deal will pay big dividends, leading to more signatures from his young brigade of off-contract forwards.
Bennett admitted he once claimed he would never pay more than $300,000 a year for a forward.
But the Brisbane mentor believed Haas was a special exception, comparing the towering teen with the likes of the NRL club's greats Darren Lockyer and Karmichael Hunt.
"That (not pay forwards top dollar) was a long time ago, that was before the salary cap changed," Bennett said.
"But it's all relevant to your ability. The more ability you have got the more relevant it is.
"And I think the really good ones have always got it (ability).
"Karmichael Hunt came out here at 18 and was outstanding, Darren Lockyer was 18 here when he played and was outstanding."
Bennett reckoned Haas took less money than the lucrative rival offers on the table.
"I don't think anyone realises our offer was small compared to other clubs," he said.
"Well maybe not small but not as high as other clubs that offered.
"He is a player in great demand. We see a long-term future for him here.
"I don't think he (Haas) was always a Broncos supporter as a kid growing up but he's here and wants to stay here."
Bennett was confident off-contract forwards Tevita Pangai, Matt Lodge and Jaydn Su'A would follow Haas' lead.
"We have a great history of not losing our young players so that is not going to happen hopefully - certainly on my watch it hasn't happened," Bennett said.
"It's not to say it won't happen but we want to keep them. They are our future.
"They are decade players some of these."
Bennett - off contract next year - was tightlipped on his own future after tabling a proposal about his next move to the Broncos board.
Bennett reportedly wants a football director role.
"Ask the CEO. I am not privy to that. That is up to them," Bennett said of his future.
Meanwhile, Bennett said it was sad to see Broncos forward Korbin Sims link with St George Illawarra on a three-season deal next year.
"We resurrected his career a little here," he said.
"I would have loved to have kept Korbin. I love what he brings.
"But with the salary cap no-one is getting less every year so we have to keep making decisions like that."
