The Brisbane Broncos and the Contract Drama Surrounding Payne Haas
The Brisbane Broncos have found themselves in a high-stakes situation with their star prop, Payne Haas. According to reports from Nine’s Danny Weidler, Haas felt “lowballed” by the club, which led him to reach out to South Sydney and eventually sign a contract with the rival Rabbitohs. However, the Broncos are now making a last-ditch effort to bring Haas back to the negotiating table with a revised, more lucrative deal.
Haas has officially agreed to join the Rabbitohs starting next season, but the contract is currently under a 10-day cooling-off period. During this time, either party can legally renege on the agreement, adding an element of uncertainty to the situation.
Ben Dobbin of 9news Queensland reported that the Broncos are preparing to offer Haas a five-year deal, significantly more substantial than what was previously proposed. “It’s my understanding the Broncos, with this 10-day cooling off period, are about to table a five-year offer to Payne Haas to try and retain him,” Dobbin said.
Weidler also shared insights into why Haas left the Broncos. “It’s been explained to me that Haas left the Broncos because they offered him considerably less than he is on at the moment… they lowballed him, simple. When that happened, he went to Souths who made an offer that reflects his position in the game. It’s a big deal and one Haas deserves.”
A Star in the NRL
At just 26 years old, Haas is widely regarded as the best forward in the game and one of the most influential players in the National Rugby League (NRL). He played a key role in helping the Broncos win last year’s premiership. His decision to move to the Rabbitohs has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community.
Dobbin also mentioned that the potential five-year offer from the Broncos could include clauses allowing Haas to explore a code switch to rugby union. This possibility adds another layer to the negotiations, as it opens up future opportunities for the player.
Reports earlier suggested that the Broncos were initially prepared to offer Haas a one-year deal. However, this approach may have contributed to his decision to seek other options. Prior to signing with the Rabbitohs, there was speculation that Haas might be a target for R360, a rebel rugby competition. A clause in the Broncos’ original offer could have allowed him to leave for R360 if the competition gets off the ground.
The R360 Controversy
Despite some high-profile moves, such as Zac Lomax leaving the Eels, the launch of R360 has been postponed. This has left many players, including Haas, in a state of uncertainty regarding their future in the sport.
Haas has remained relatively quiet in public since making his decision. He did not speak to the media at the Broncos’ season launch or when the team departed from Brisbane airport for the World Club Challenge in the United Kingdom.
At the season launch, Pat Carrigan was asked whether he would try to convince Haas to stay. His response was straightforward: “I’ll support him no matter what he does.” Carrigan added, “But trust me: I love him running out in a Bronx jersey.”
Adam Reynolds, who is set to retire, also expressed his willingness to “twist his arm” to keep Haas with the Broncos.
Previous Cooling-Off Periods
This situation is not without precedent. One of the most recent examples of a player changing their mind during a cooling-off period was David Fifita, who signed with the Roosters before deciding to stay with the Gold Coast Titans.
As the 10-day cooling-off period continues, all eyes are on the Broncos and Haas to see whether the club can successfully negotiate a new deal that will keep the star prop in Brisbane beyond 2026.
