Broncos Stars Dismiss Doubts Over Payne Haas Exit Impact
Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has publicly dismissed comments made by NRL great Cooper Cronk, labelling them as “silly.” Cronk had suggested that the impending departure of star prop Payne Haas would have a destabilising effect on the Broncos’ playing group, potentially hindering their chances of a consecutive premiership.
Haas, a pivotal figure in the Broncos’ recent success, stunned the rugby league world last month by signing a three-year deal to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs starting next season. This move comes just after the Broncos secured the 2025 premiership, a victory that has ignited ambitions for a rare back-to-back title defence.
Cronk, a four-time premiership winner, expressed his doubts about the Broncos’ ability to repeat their success. He noted the unusual situation of a star player, having just achieved a championship, opting to leave the club a year later. “The whole story that Wayne (Bennett) did this stealth mission (poaching Haas from the Broncos), I love it,” Cronk reportedly stated. “But there is something that says arguably your best player has just won a comp and wants out a year later. What does that say to the rest of the group?” Cronk speculated that motivation could become a significant hurdle for the Broncos this year, drawing a parallel to their failure to make the finals the season after their 2023 Grand Final loss. He also questioned the ability of coach Michael Maguire to re-energise the squad for another demanding season under his famously rigorous coaching style.
However, Walsh, along with fellow Bronco Patrick Carrigan, has vehemently rejected any notion of complacency within the team. They insist that the squad remains fiercely motivated to win another premiership in 2026 and are fully supportive of Haas’ decision.
Walsh’s Rebuttal: “Silly” to Suggest Destabilisation
Reece Walsh was particularly quick to shut down the idea that Haas’ impending departure would negatively impact their premiership defence. “I think the derailing part… that’s a bit silly because if it was your last time with someone, would that derail you? Would that make you push harder to want to do better?” Walsh queried.
He elaborated on his perspective, emphasizing the importance of supporting teammates. “If he thinks that’s the right decision for him to go (to Souths) and support his family and do what’s best for him, then I’m going to support him and be behind him no matter what,” Walsh stated. “The way we’re looking about it, and our mindset is it’s our last opportunity that we have together as a group for Payne and we want to make it count.”
Carrigan: Team Sport and Future Talent
Patrick Carrigan acknowledged the significant loss the Broncos will face in Haas, describing him as “probably the best front-rower the game has ever seen.” Nevertheless, Carrigan reinforced the team’s unwavering support for Haas’ personal and family-driven decision.
More importantly, Carrigan expressed strong confidence in the Broncos’ existing talent pool and development pathways. He believes that the club has sufficient depth and emerging stars to maintain their status as premiership contenders for years to come. “Payno’s an amazing player and probably the best front-rower the game has ever seen,” Carrigan told reporters. “But we play a team sport and we’ve got guys like Xavier Willison, Aublix Tawha and Ben Te Kura who can put us in a position to win again.”
This collective sentiment from Walsh and Carrigan suggests a united front within the Broncos camp, determined to channel any external doubts into further motivation as they embark on their premiership defence.
Season Opener Against Panthers
The Broncos are set to commence their title defence in a highly anticipated blockbuster against the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. This fixture holds significant weight, as the Panthers will undoubtedly be seeking retribution for their heartbreaking preliminary final defeat to the Broncos last season, a loss that ended their own quest for a consecutive premiership. The match promises to be a stern test of the Broncos’ resolve and a clear indicator of their readiness to tackle the challenges ahead, with or without the certainty of Haas beyond 2025. The narrative surrounding Haas’ exit, coupled with the fierce rivalry against Penrith, sets the stage for an electric season opener.
