Broncos prop Haas next re-signing priority: Walters

With cross-town rivals the Dolphins looming as a constant poaching threat, NSW prop Haas is a priority long-term re-signing before he becomes a free agent on November 1.

The 23-year-old wrecking ball recently spoke of his admiration for Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett who in 2018 came through with a six-year extended and upgraded deal for Haas to stay at the Broncos when he was on the verge of joining Melbourne.

"(Bennett) was the reason I came to the Broncos," Haas said.

Walters, who signed a new deal until the end of 2025, backed recruitment chief Simon Scanlan, CEO Dave Donaghy and the retention and recruitment committee, which includes club legend Darren Lockyer, to get the job done with Haas.

"Payne is one of those guys we believe belongs at the Broncos and that is why Dave, Simon and his gang will do everything to make sure that happens," Walters said.

"Payne is loving his footy and probably playing the best footy of his career so we'd like to think he can maintain that in a Broncos jersey."

Lockyer said there was "no doubt" keeping Haas was a priority.

"He has already won four Paul Morgan Medals (as Broncos player of the year). He is the best prop in the game and he has done really well in keeping (at bay) his off-field distractions and just focusing on his footy," Lockyer said.

"There is no denying how good he is for us and what he has done. He has always said he wants to win premierships and us playing well and winning on a weekly basis I think would add a bit of value to what Payne wants to do."

Donaghy said Haas was a player the club wanted to keep, while acknowledging he would be in-demand.

"Payne Haas is a hell of a player. He has really developed and evolved as a leader," Donaghy said.

"When you look at the likes of (prop) Pat Carrigan re-signing and cementing his roots here, we want to keep a nucleus of the group that can continue to deliver sustained results.

"When you have a good team, there are 16 other teams and rugby union and NFL and all the other competitive challenges. We have a clear plan (with Haas). I'm not going to share that plan, but we have a clear plan around what we want to do."