Payne Haas Reflects on Broncos Loyalty, Origin I Emotions, and What Lies Ahead
Payne Haas, widely regarded as the premier prop in the NRL, has dismissed any thoughts of switching clubs, reaffirming his deep commitment to the Brisbane Broncos despite looming contract speculation. With his current deal expiring at the end of the 2026 season, Haas is approaching a crucial career crossroads—one that could allow him to start official talks with rival clubs as early as November. Among the interested parties is the newly established Perth Bears franchise, a team entering the competition in 2027 with significant financial backing and the potential to make Haas one of the game’s highest-paid players.
However, for Haas, the idea of leaving Brisbane doesn’t resonate. Speaking from the New South Wales Blues’ training base in Leura ahead of Game II of the State of Origin series, the 25-year-old star made it abundantly clear that remaining a Bronco is his top priority.
“I really want to stay in Brisbane. That’s the number one goal,” Haas stated confidently. “My agent and I know where we stand with the club, and I honestly can’t see myself pulling on another jersey. We’re hopeful the deal will be sorted soon. If it doesn’t work out, then that’s life—but our focus is on staying.”
The loyalty Haas feels toward the Broncos stems from his deep-rooted connection to the city and the club. Signed as a teenager, he has grown both professionally and personally within the organization. Now a fan favorite and a foundational player, Haas said his love for Brisbane and the life he’s built there with his family makes the thought of relocation almost inconceivable.
“My whole family’s in Brisbane, and we love everything about it—the lifestyle, the community, the club. It just wouldn’t make sense to leave,” he added.
Haas’ unwavering loyalty comes at a time when the Broncos are facing considerable pressure. Brisbane has struggled for consistency this season and only recently broke a concerning four-game losing streak with a dominant win over the Gold Coast Titans. That victory, according to Haas, couldn’t have come at a better time.
“There’s definitely a sense of relief after that win,” he admitted. “We were going through a rough patch, and the media scrutiny up in Brisbane can be brutal. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. But we’ve got a strong group of boys, and when you’re surrounded by good people, it’s easier to keep your focus.”
Despite the challenges, Haas has remained a bright spot for the team, consistently performing at a high level and continuing to lead by example. Still, he acknowledged the emotional toll of losing and how much better it feels to finally get back in the win column.
“It’s tough when you’re putting in so much effort at training and it’s not translating to wins. Getting that victory made everything feel lighter, especially coming into Origin camp. The mood’s just better all around.”
On the representative front, Haas has continued to shine for New South Wales. In Game I of the 2025 State of Origin series, held in Brisbane, the front-row enforcer delivered a powerhouse performance that earned him man-of-the-match honors. And he did so despite carrying a quadriceps injury into the camp, which left his status for the game uncertain during the early part of the week.
“It was a strange build-up to the first game,” Haas revealed. “At the start of camp, I wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to play. That kind of uncertainty messes with your rhythm. But I’m grateful it all worked out in the end.”
That performance helped the Blues storm to a 1–0 lead in the series, and now Haas is looking forward to preparing properly for the all-important Game II, set to take place at Perth’s Optus Stadium on June 18. With the injury now behind him, Haas is excited about the opportunity to fully immerse himself in training and build chemistry with his teammates.
“This week is going to be a lot smoother for me. Last time, I felt a little underprepared, but this time I can train from the start, work on combinations, and really dial into the game plan,” he said. “It’s a big help.”
Interestingly, the next Origin match will give Haas his first taste of Perth—a city whose NRL expansion team is keenly watching his next move. While the upcoming trip could have doubled as a scouting visit for a potential new home, Haas isn’t interested in entertaining those ideas right now.
His focus remains on the task at hand—helping the Blues clinch the series and keeping his feet firmly planted in Brisbane.
“Right now, it’s all about playing good footy and helping NSW get over the line. Everything else will take care of itself,” he concluded.
Haas’ grounded mentality and commitment to both club and state are part of what makes him such a respected figure in rugby league. While big decisions loom on the horizon, especially regarding his future in the NRL, there’s little doubt that Haas is driven by loyalty, family, and the pursuit of excellence—values that continue to define his career.
As the Broncos work behind the scenes to retain one of their most prized assets and NSW prepares for a potentially series-clinching Origin match in Perth, all eyes will remain on Haas—both for his unmatched engine on the field and the important choices he faces off it.
