Payne Haas’ Move to South Sydney Confirmed
The news that Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas will not be staying at Red Hill beyond 2026 has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community. A recent Instagram story from the prop confirmed the shocking revelation, leaving fans in disbelief. At just 26 years old, Haas has been a cornerstone of the Broncos since joining the club in 2016 as a highly sought-after teenager. His journey with the team has been nothing short of impressive, with a premiership win last year and consistent performances that have solidified his reputation as one of the game’s best forwards.
Haas’ decision to join Wayne Bennett’s South Sydney Rabbitohs next year came as a surprise to many. The hulking front-rower stunned fans when it was revealed on February 8 that he would be making the move to Sydney. While a 10-day cooling-off period has given Broncos supporters some hope for a dramatic change of heart, it seems increasingly unlikely given Haas’ recent social media activity.
In a poignant response to a Channel Nine piece confirming teammate Adam Reynolds’ retirement at the end of the season, Haas posted: ‘last ride brother.’ This message has been interpreted as a sign that his time with the Broncos is truly coming to an end. The father-of-two is set to join the likes of David Fifita, Latrell Mitchell, and Cameron Murray in red and green ahead of the 2027 NRL season.
At the club’s recent season launch, Broncos forward Pat Carrigan was asked if he would try to convince Haas to stay. His response was straightforward: ‘I’ll support him no matter what he does. But trust me: I love him running out in a Bronx jersey.’ Meanwhile, Reynolds also expressed his intention to ‘twist his arm,’ but the move to Sydney now appears to be a formality.
Despite the disappointment, the Broncos have reportedly tabled a monster five-year deal for Haas. However, it seems his mind is already made up. Haas made his first-grade debut in 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the game’s premier front-rowers. In 2019, he was crowned Dally M Rookie of the Year and made his State of Origin debut for NSW after just 10 first-grade games.
Since then, Haas has been a regular for the Blues, helping win Origin series in 2019, 2021, and 2024. He has also represented Australia and committed to Samoa internationally in 2025. Even during the Broncos’ struggles in the 2020 wooden spoon season, Haas consistently performed at an elite level, earning multiple club and Dally M Prop of the Year honours.
His contributions were pivotal in Brisbane’s run to the 2023 Grand Final and were instrumental in the Broncos’ 2025 NRL premiership-winning side. As the rugby league world adjusts to the reality of Haas’ departure, fans are left wondering what the future holds for the Broncos and how they will fill the void left by one of their most iconic players.
