The rugby league legend made the astonishing suggestion after watching the Broncos fullback in the NRL grand final.
New Zealand rugby league legend Sir Graham Lowe has urged the All Blacks to throw $5 million a season at Broncos superstar Reece Walsh in a bid to lure the fullback over to rugby union. Walsh captured the hearts of fans on the Broncos’ way to their first NRL premiership in 19 years with the 23-year-old lifting his side to the title.
His grand final performance against the Melbourne Storm has been hailed as one of the greatest displays ever seen and he was immediately linked with R360. There are concerns huge money will be thrown at the game’s top players to lure them away from the NRL.
But former Maroons, Sea Eagles, Cowboys and New Zealand coach Lowe has urged the All Blacks to make a move for the mega-star while they can. Walsh is set to make his debut for Australia in the historic Ashes tour later this month after becoming the frontrunner to wear the Kangaroos fullback jersey.
Although Walsh also had the ability to represent New Zealand due to his family heritage. This would mean he could play for the All Blacks if he switched to rugby union.
And Lowe feels New Zealand rugby should jump at the opportunity to sign the fullback, before it becomes too late. And not just because of his talent, but the eyeballs he brings to the sport. “I think he is more than talented. He’s the best young player I’ve ever seen, he’s something special,” Lowe told The Herald Now.
“We get sick of the Aussies pinching our players…the Warriors won’t be able to get him over here because of the salary cap in the NRL, but I think there’s an opportunity for the New Zealand Rugby Union. There Super Rugby crowds are all declining…get this kid over here.
“The going rate for the stars is a million-plus. Pay this guy $5 million a year. Anywhere else in the world, it’s chicken feed. Make a big statement about him.” Lowe added: “The excitement he brings is fantastic. Get him over here. He will bring 10,000 people on his own.”
Walsh is signed with the Broncos until the end of 2029. The rugby league great’s suggestion has raised eyebrows with $5 million a monster fee for any rugby league or union player in today’s standards. However, with the emergence of R360, Broncos coach Michael Maguire has already addressed Payne Haas and Walsh being linked to the competition.
Michael Maguire attempts to quell Broncos concerns
Not long after winning the NRL premiership, both Haas and Walsh were linked to the R360 competition. The top players are reportedly in the sights of those setting up R360 and two of the biggest names in the NRL happen to play for the Broncos. But coach Maguire admitted last Friday he isn’t overly concerned just yet knowing both Haas and Walsh enjoy living in Brisbane with their young families.
“I don’t quite understand it at the moment. There is so much information around it. People saying it won’t happen, it will happen. One thing I do know about Reece and Payne, Payne loves the club. Loves living in Brisbane, he has got his family here,” Maguire said on SEN Radio.
“Players all have these opportunities put in front of them. But I do know both the players really enjoy the Brisbane Broncos. So it will be something large to try and take them away from something they have got at this present moment. But look, it is probably a wait and see with what happens with that one.”
Haas is under contract with Brisbane until the end of 2026 on a deal worth $1.1 million per season. It means the 25-year-old is a free agent as of November 1 this year, and the Broncos have offered him a three-year extension worth $3.5 million all up.
