The Penrith Panthers have reportedly upgraded off-season recruit Toby Crosby to a full-time contract, in a key indication he could be in line to make his NRL debut. And speculation is rife as to who the Broncos might look to sign to replace Payne Haas.
Front-rower Crosby was among a number of players the Panthers signed from the Warriors in the off-season, along with fellow forwards Tom Ale and Kalani Going. The 22-year-old was initially signed to a train-and-trial deal, meaning he wouldn’t be allowed to make a potential NRL debut until Round 11.
Mitch Barnett (far left) has been floated as a potential replacement for Payne Haas (R). Image: Getty/AAP
Under NRL rules, players on train-and-trial contracts can’t play for the first 10 rounds of competition unless they’re upgraded to full-time deals. According to The Daily Telegraph, that’s exactly what the Panthers have done.
Crosby’s two-year deal has reportedly been upgraded, and it means the Panthers might be keen for him to make his NRL debut early in the season. He’ll be competing with the likes of Liam Henry, Luke Garner, Isaiah Papalii and Luron Patea for a spot on the Panthers’ bench.
Toby Crosby could be set for an NRL debut after being upgraded by the Penrith Panthers. Image: Panthers
Who might Broncos get to replace Payne Haas?
Meanwhile, Broncos legend Corey Parker has floated a State of Origin forward that Brisbane should target to replace Payne Haas. The 26-year-old Haas dropped a bombshell on the Broncos on Sunday when he signed a three-year deal with South Sydney from 2027.
It leaves the Broncos fairly thin up front, with the likes of Xavier Willison, Corey Jensen and Aublix Tawha having to step into Haas’ enormous boots from next season. But according to Parker, the key target the Broncos should be looking to recruit is Mitch Barnett from the Warriors.
Barnett is under contract for 2027, but the Broncos might be willing to get him a year later. The 31-year-old has played two State of Origin games for NSW and three Test matches for Australia.
Mitch Barnett (L) and Tom Flegler (R) could be options for the Broncos. Image: Getty
On social media, fans are calling for the Broncos to try and bring Tom Flegler back to the club. At 26, Flegler would seemingly be a better long-term option than Barnett and actually started his career at the Broncos.
Flegler played 96 games for Brisbane and three Origin games for Queensland while at the Broncos, but salary cap issues saw him join the Dolphins in 2024. He’s only played four games for the Dolphins due to a nerve issue in his shoulder, but is shaping to return in Round 1 this season.
Flegler is also under contract for 2027, meaning the Broncos would need to look elsewhere for a replacement for next season. Broncos fans are also daring to dream of a Herbie Farnworth return, after he joined the Dolphins at the same time as Flegler.