Payne Haas Will Leave Broncos for Rabbitohs

Star rugby league player Payne Haas has told the Brisbane Broncos he will leave them after this season. He has agreed to a deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs for three years. This is a big move for the Rabbitohs.
By Newsroom | NRL, Player Transfers |

A recent shift in player allegiance within the National Rugby League (NRL) has drawn significant attention. Payne Haas, a player widely acknowledged as a premier forward, has reportedly informed the Brisbane Broncos of his intention to depart at the conclusion of the current season. This development has coincided with reports of his agreement to a three-year contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, a move that has been described as one of the most significant recruitment achievements in the sport's history. The circumstances surrounding Haas's decision and the Broncos' response are central to understanding the impact of this transaction.

Timeline of Contractual Discussions and Player Movement

The public confirmation of Payne Haas's impending departure from the Brisbane Broncos marks a critical juncture following a period of extensive contract negotiations.

Broncos set to hit back with Haas offer - 1

  • Early 2025: Reports indicated the Broncos were "on the verge of locking down superstar prop Payne Haas months before he becomes a free agent." This suggested an intent to secure his long-term future with the club.

  • March 2025: Articles from sources like 7news.com.au and leaguenews.co highlighted a set timeline for a new Haas deal, with both the club and the player's management expressing confidence in reaching an agreement before he became officially off-contract in November 2025. The expectation was for Haas to remain a "Bronco for life" and potentially receive another pay increase.

  • November 2025: The Brisbane Broncos' chief executive, Dave Donaghy, publicly stated the club would "not sit back" regarding reports of Haas considering offers, signaling a strong desire to retain him. This period also saw speculation about seven-figure offers from other clubs.

  • February 2026 (Latest Reports): The NRL.com article confirmed that Haas and his management had informed the Broncos of his plan to leave at the end of the season. Simultaneously, the Rabbitohs announced his agreement to a three-year deal. This news emerged alongside reports of the Broncos preparing a counter-offer, suggesting a complex and potentially evolving situation prior to the final confirmation of his departure.

Reported Motivations and Club Responses

The departure of a player of Haas's caliber necessitates an examination of the factors contributing to his decision and the reactions of his current and prospective clubs.

Broncos' Stance and Efforts to Retain Haas

The Brisbane Broncos have publicly expressed their commitment to retaining Payne Haas. As early as March 2025, the club was reported to be close to finalising a long-term extension, with a timeline set to ensure he would not enter free agency. Chief executive Dave Donaghy emphasized the club's determination, stating, "we won't sit back."

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Broncos set to hit back with Haas offer - 2

  • The Broncos aimed to secure Haas's future with the club well before his contract expired, indicating a strong desire for his continued presence.

  • Reports suggested that even with existing salary cap pressures, the Broncos were prepared to offer a significant new deal, potentially including a pay increase.

  • The club expressed confidence in their environment and systems to keep top talent, with Donaghy noting the importance of providing the right conditions for players.

Rabbitohs' Recruitment Strategy and Haas's Reported Agreement

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have reportedly secured Payne Haas on a three-year deal. This acquisition is viewed as a major coup, particularly given Haas's status as one of the game's top forwards.

  • The Rabbitohs have signed Haas to a three-year contract, confirming an agreement that has been lodged with the NRL.

  • Haas will reunite with former coach Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs, a factor that may have influenced his decision.

  • The recruitment of Haas aligns with a broader strategy, as David Fifita, a player who also previously played under Bennett at the Broncos and is a close friend of Haas, joined the Rabbitohs earlier in the season.

Player Standing and Market Value

Payne Haas's reputation within the NRL significantly influences the perceived value of his contract and the intensity of the competition for his signature. He is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the sport.

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Broncos set to hit back with Haas offer - 3

  • Haas is consistently identified as a "superstar prop" and "one of the game's top props."

  • His market value was suggested to be substantial, with rumors of seven-figure offers per season from competing clubs.

  • His skill set is described as encompassing more than just raw power, with noted improvements in ball distribution.

  • His existing contract status was already among the highest for forwards, and further increases were anticipated in any new deal.

Expert and Colleague Perspectives

The discussions surrounding Haas's contract have involved input from various figures associated with the sport, offering insights into his development and potential.

  • Teammate Kobe Hetherington expressed admiration for Haas's ability to navigate complex situations, stating, "I don’t know how he does it."

  • Former coach Glen Campbell highlighted Haas's early development, noting his emphasis on ball distribution as part of his game.

  • Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has spoken about the club's competitive environment and its efforts to retain talent, framing the Haas situation within a broader club strategy.

Conclusion: Player Movement and Future Implications

The reported agreement of Payne Haas to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs on a three-year deal, following his stated intention to leave the Brisbane Broncos at season's end, represents a significant development in the NRL player market. This move appears to stem from a period of prolonged contract negotiations where the Broncos, despite setting timelines and expressing strong intentions to retain him, were unable to secure his commitment beyond the current season.

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  • Haas's departure signifies a loss of a premier forward for the Broncos and a considerable gain for the Rabbitohs, who have secured him under his former coach Wayne Bennett.

  • The timing of the announcement, with reports of the Broncos preparing to "hit back with Haas offer" preceding the confirmation of his move to Souths, suggests a dynamic and perhaps protracted negotiation process.

  • The player's standing as one of the game's best forwards underscores the competitive nature of recruitment in the NRL, with multiple clubs reportedly willing to make substantial offers.

  • The impact of this transfer on both clubs' future playing rosters and salary cap management will be a key area of observation in the coming seasons.

Key Sources and Context

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Payne Haas play for the Broncos next year?
No, Payne Haas has told the Broncos he will leave them after this season. He will join another team.
Q: Which team is Payne Haas joining?
He is joining the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He has signed a contract for three years.
Q: Why is Payne Haas leaving the Broncos?
The article says he was in contract talks for a long time. He decided to leave the Broncos for a new team.
Q: Is this a big deal in rugby league?
Yes, Payne Haas is a very good player. Many people think this is a very important signing for the Rabbitohs.