Payne Haas may be the most dominant forward of his generation, but growing concerns are emerging over whether his individual brilliance is hindering rather than helping the Brisbane Broncos‘ quest for NRL premiership glory.
At just 25, Haas has already clinched four Dally M Prop of the Year awards and is a mainstay in both the New South Wales Blues and Australian Kangaroos squads. However, despite his consistent on-field excellence, the Broncos have failed to secure a premiership during his tenure. Now, experts are questioning whether investing heavily in a prop—even one as elite as Haas—comes at the expense of building a balanced, title-contending team.
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Currently on a $3.5 million contract through 2027, Haas continues to deliver elite performances, with 920 post-contact metres and a tackle efficiency exceeding 98% in 2025 alone. Yet, the Broncos have struggled, slipping to a seven-game losing streak and barely holding on to a top-eight spot this season—two years removed from a grand final appearance.
Club legend Wayne Bennett has long warned against overpaying forwards, arguing that championship-winning teams are built around spine players, not props. While he recently admitted Haas might be the exception, the Broncos’ inability to convert Haas’ dominance into titles reinforces Bennett’s original theory.
Adding complexity to Haas’ future is his contractual situation. Though he’s repeatedly expressed loyalty to Brisbane, his agent’s actions—such as prematurely listing him as available to rival clubs—have raised eyebrows. Haas also requested a release from his contract in 2022, further casting doubt on his long-term commitment.
Veteran journalist Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield believes public statements of loyalty are carefully crafted PR moves. “He’s saying all the right things, but behind the scenes it’s anything but certain,” Rothfield claimed, hinting at a growing disconnect between words and intentions.
Off the field, Haas’ responsibilities extend to supporting his two children and acting as guardian for his younger siblings. This makes financial security a major factor, with reports suggesting the powerhouse prop could fetch up to $1.6 million annually on the open market.
Expansion sides like the Perth Bears, entering the NRL in 2027—the same year Haas’ current deal expires—could be poised to make a move.
As other clubs like the Warriors and Bulldogs succeed with more financially balanced rosters, Brisbane’s strategy of investing heavily in one superstar forward may prove unsustainable. The Broncos’ lack of finals success, despite having a formidable pack featuring Haas, Patrick Carrigan, and Thomas Flegler, underscores this concern.
Ultimately, Haas may be a generational talent—but if the Broncos can’t surround him with a championship-caliber spine, his brilliance may never translate into silverware.
The harsh irony? Haas could be too good, too dominant, and too expensive to win a premiership with Brisbane.
