Brisbane Broncos Determined to Retain Origin Star Amid Transfer Speculation
Despite increasing speculation surrounding the future of State of Origin prop Payne Haas, the Brisbane Broncos are taking firm steps to retain the services of their star forward long-term. Reports suggest that the club is working hard to secure Haas with a fresh contract ahead of the November 1 deadline, a critical date when players entering the final year of their deals become free to negotiate with rival clubs.
One of the main suitors circling Haas has been the yet-to-launch Perth Bears. Set to join the NRL in 2027 as part of the league’s expansion plans, the Bears were reportedly willing to throw a massive offer on the table—rumored to be in the vicinity of $1.5 million per season—to lure Haas away from Red Hill. However, insiders say Haas is not tempted by the money or the opportunity to join a new franchise.
According to Code Sports, the Broncos remain fully committed to Haas and consider him the centerpiece of their forward pack and long-term success. His manager, Ahmad Merhi, strongly denied that Haas is considering an exit, emphasizing that the 25-year-old is fully invested in Brisbane’s future and is not swayed by the financial windfall of expansion clubs.
“Payne is not going anywhere,” Merhi told Code Sports. “If he wanted to leave, he had the opportunity to do that two years ago. This isn’t about money for him—it never was. He is focused on building a legacy with the Broncos.”
Merhi also dismissed suggestions that Haas could be interested in switching to rugby union, which could potentially offer even higher pay packets, or that he’s tempted by the buzz around the new Perth team. He reiterated that these external factors have no bearing on Haas’s intentions. “The expansion clubs hold no appeal. If money was his main motivation, he could’ve taken a deal in rugby long ago—but he didn’t.”
This stance from Haas and his representatives offers a strong rebuttal to ongoing rumours linking him with other clubs, including those with more significant financial power. For Haas, loyalty and legacy seem to matter more than the lure of a bigger paycheck elsewhere.
Haas’s bond with the Broncos extends far beyond the playing field. His family ties to the club are deepening, and that appears to be playing a major role in his desire to stay put. His younger brother, Hans, just 15 years old, has recently inked a three-year contract with Brisbane, a move that further cements the family’s relationship with the club.
“Payne’s got his younger brother Hans now coming through the Broncos’ system,” Merhi revealed. “It’s one of Payne’s dreams to play alongside his brother in the NRL. And maybe even their other brother, Klese, who is currently playing for the Titans, could join him at some point.”
With Haas now taking on more responsibility off the field—he’s a legal guardian to his younger brothers—his desire for stability and a strong support structure is understandable. His connection to Brisbane isn’t just professional; it’s personal.
The timing of these revelations also couldn’t be more crucial for the Broncos. The team is currently under significant pressure after enduring a four-game losing streak, raising questions about form, morale, and direction. Amid this turbulent stretch, the reassurance of Haas’s long-term commitment is a much-needed morale boost for both the club and its supporters.
For the Broncos, Haas isn’t just another name on the roster. He is seen as a future club legend—one who could go down in history alongside the greatest to ever don the jersey.
“Payne is a Bronco,” Merhi said definitively. “There’s no doubt in his mind or ours. He has the potential to be one of the greatest to ever wear the Broncos jersey, and that’s what he’s aiming for.”
This clarity could help the club refocus amid mounting pressure. Fans and analysts alike have speculated about possible player unrest or contract distractions contributing to the team’s slump. But with Haas shutting down all exit talk and recommitting to the club’s mission, some of that uncertainty can now be put to rest.
His loyalty is not new. In 2023, Haas had already demonstrated his allegiance when he turned down other offers to stay in Brisbane. He continues to be one of the league’s most consistent performers, both for club and state, and his presence in the forward pack is vital. Losing him would have been a severe blow—not just in terms of on-field performance, but also for team morale and identity.
The Broncos are also keenly aware of the significance of the November 1 date. From that point, Haas will be able to openly discuss terms with rival clubs if no extension is agreed upon. By getting ahead of the clock, Brisbane wants to avoid a scenario where their star man is fielding offers from across the league and potentially getting swayed.
For now, however, all signs point to Haas staying loyal to the team that developed him and provided the foundation for his rise to State of Origin and international prominence.
As the Broncos attempt to course-correct their season and climb back into contention, knowing that one of their best players is fully on board provides a much-needed anchor. Fans can rest a little easier knowing Haas isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
And if the dream of seeing him run out alongside his younger brother becomes a reality in the years ahead, that will be a special chapter in the Broncos’ storied history.
