Broncos’ Defensive Dilemma: Who Steps Up in Haas’ Wake?
The Brisbane Broncos are facing a significant challenge as news breaks that star prop Payne Haas intends to make a move to the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the conclusion of the current season. This announcement has sent ripples through the club and its fanbase, particularly following speculation that Haas was on the verge of signing a one-year extension with the Broncos. The club now has a 10-day window to formally respond to Haas’ intentions, after which the move to the Rabbitohs will become official.
Adding to the club’s concerns, veteran halfback Adam Reynolds has also declared his retirement at the end of the season, leaving two major voids in the Broncos’ leadership and on-field presence. The departure of both Haas, widely considered the NRL’s premier forward last year, and Reynolds, a highly respected playmaker, has understandably led to widespread confusion and disappointment among Broncos faithful and former club legends alike. Corey Parker, a prominent figure in Broncos history, has voiced his shared sentiment of shock and dismay.
However, not all is doom and gloom at Red Hill. Broncos teammate and close friend of Haas, Patrick Carrigan, is encouraging a more optimistic outlook. While acknowledging the immense difficulty of replacing a player of Haas’ caliber in the current NRL market, Carrigan believes the situation presents a unique opportunity for emerging talent within the existing squad.
“As a mate who’s come into the game and played with him since we were 18 years old … I’ll be always supportive of him (Haas),” Carrigan stated at the Broncos’ recent season launch. “Our relationship will always stretch long and far beyond these bright lights. I’m really excited that we get to finish this year. One door closes and another one opens, and there’s some really good young kids that have had the opportunity to learn off Payne. I know they’ll want to grab it with both hands.”
Carrigan specifically highlighted two players who could potentially rise to the occasion and fill the void left by Haas: Xavier Willison and Ben Te Kura.
Emerging Talent Poised for Opportunity
Xavier Willison: While not explicitly detailed in terms of his recent performance, Willison is presented as a player who has benefited from learning alongside Haas. His development will be a key focus for the Broncos as they navigate the post-Haas era.
Ben Te Kura: The towering 21-year-old, currently the tallest player in the NRL, endured a challenging 2025 season under coach Michael Maguire. Expectations were high for Te Kura to feature more prominently, but limited game time, with only two appearances, hampered his progress. An injury midway through the season, which sidelined him for six to eight weeks, further disrupted his push to cement a spot in the Broncos’ top 17. However, with the introduction of a six-player bench for the upcoming 2026 season, fringe players like Te Kura are anticipated to have increased opportunities to impress. Broncos fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can capitalize on this expanded chance.
Reynolds’ Perspective and Squad Movements
Despite his impending retirement, Adam Reynolds admitted that Payne Haas’ decision to leave the club came as a surprise. While he expressed a desire to “twist his arm” to stay, Reynolds acknowledged that the team must now shift their focus to immediate priorities, including the upcoming World Club Challenge.
“I’ll try and twist his arm, but it is what it is,” Reynolds commented on Haas’ situation. “We have to focus on getting over to England now and getting the job done. I’m sure the boys have been into him, trying to get him obviously to stay at the club.”
The Broncos’ preparations for the World Club Challenge have also seen some notable omissions from the squad travelling to England. Ben Te Kura was surprisingly left out, and winger Jesse Arthars, a Queensland representative, has also been excluded. This suggests that new recruit Grant Anderson has quickly moved ahead of Arthars in the team’s pecking order, leaving the winger’s future at the club uncertain heading into the 2026 NRL season. These squad adjustments, coupled with the impending departure of Haas and the retirement of Reynolds, underscore the significant transitional period the Brisbane Broncos are currently experiencing. The club’s ability to nurture their young talent and adapt to these changes will be crucial to their success in the coming seasons.
