Brisbane Broncos enforcer Payne Haas has ignited contract drama at Red Hill, with reports revealing that the Origin powerhouse has invited rival NRL clubs to express interest in signing him from the 2027 season onwards.
Currently contracted until the end of 2026, Haas will officially be free to negotiate with other clubs starting November 1 if Brisbane fails to secure an early extension. According to Fox Sports, Haas’ management has already approached every NRL club — including the expansion hopeful Perth Bears — to gauge their level of interest ahead of the market opening.
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“There is talk that his agent has gone to all the other rival clubs and said, Payne is off-contract as of 2027 and if anybody wants to express interest, that door is open,” journalist James Hooper revealed on Fox League during coverage of the Broncos’ recent loss to Manly.
That defeat only added to Brisbane’s woes, with the club stumbling through a rocky patch. Internal pressures are mounting, and coach Michael Maguire faces a tough challenge in reviving morale and form.
This isn’t the first time Haas has tested his value. He previously requested an early release before being persuaded to re-sign. Now, it’s believed the star forward’s priority is playing for a premiership-contending side — a concern given Brisbane’s inconsistent results and crowded salary cap.
The Broncos’ roster is stacked with expensive deals, including those for Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan, Ezra Mam, and Adam Reynolds. Ongoing negotiations with off-contract stars Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs further complicate retention plans, with speculation mounting that only one of the two can be retained — unless Haas departs, which would free up significant cap space.
Still, Brisbane remains adamant that retaining Haas — considered the premier prop in the NRL — is non-negotiable. But with rival clubs now circling, the pressure is on the Broncos to secure their marquee man before he’s lost to the highest bidder.
