Newcastle Knights interested in NRL halfback who have demanded $900,000 salary as Jackson Hastings is set to leave at the end of the year

League legend Andrew Johns believes Melbourne’s backup half Jonah Pezet could command upwards of $900,000 on the open market as his future at the club appears to come to a close.

Pezet’s contract is currently a big talking point after Jahrome Hughes extended, making the 22-year-old a free agent.

The apprentice halfback had previously knocked back a contract with Newcastle to stay with the Storm, but a clause was inserted in case Hughes re-signed.

Now the Knights could have another crack, and it’s exactly what Johns wants to see.

“The Knights are desperate for a halfback so I’m sure they’ll be interested in talking to Jonah but there’s not many halfbacks around so he could pick his club really,” he said on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour before admitting the Dragons would be a chance too.

“… he’s done his apprenticeship, he’s been in the lower grades and had a couple of knee injuries that have kept him out but he’s 22 now so he’s ready to go. He can’t wait in reserve grade for another two or three years.”

The Dragons and Knights options creates a peculiar situation for Pezet and the club.

Newcastle’s salary cap position is interesting considering Dylan Brown will arrive in November on a $1.3 million a season contract over 10 years.

Pezet is also managed by Braith Anasta, who has Lachlan Ilias at the Dragons. Ilias has been stuck in reserve grade and can’t displace Kyle Flanagan at halfback.

The Dragons have also recently appointed Daniel Anderson as head of recruitment and Pezet could very well be his first big fish.

Johns believes Pezet could cost the club a monumental figure.

“Unfortunately for sides like St George Illawarra or the Newcastle Knights, to get a marquee player you have to pay overs,” he said.

“Jonah on the market, at this stage you’re paying for potential, he’s probably (worth) $500,000 or $600k. If he’s going to go to Newcastle or St George Illawarra, you’re paying $800k or $900k which then slants your salary cap a little bit.”

The Dragons will have Daniel Atkinson join the club next season for three years, and it’s expected he’ll challenge for the halfback position.

Flanagan is also signed until the end of 2027 as is current five-eighth Lyhkan King-Togia.

Ilias will be available to talk to rivals from November 1.

For the Knights, Jackson Hastings will leave at the end of the year while Jack Cogger and Tyson Gamble are signed until next year. Fletcher Sharpe is contracted until the end of 2028.