‘He’ll never be happy’: Payne Haas set to reject Broncos’ extension offer in $3.4m bombshell

Payne Haas appears hell-bent on testing the open market come November with reports emerging he will reject a highly-lucrative Brisbane offer.

NRL 2023 RD04 Dolphins v Brisbane Broncos - Payne Haas. Photo: Scott Davis/NRL Imagery

Broncos superstar Payne Haas is reportedly set to reject a four-year extension offer worth $1.1 million per season to test his value on the open market.

Haas is widely considered on track to becoming the greatest prop to ever play the game and could attract offers of up to $1.3 million at struggling Sydney clubs.

The gun front-rower is currently contracted until the end of next season which means he’ll be free to sign with rival clubs from November 1 if Brisbane don’t lock him down.

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“I just got off the phone to his manager a few minutes ago, they’re going to put out a statement tonight, he wouldn’t give it all away but I got the impression from his management that they’re going to reject this offer from the Broncos,” Phil Rothfield said on NRL 360 on Monday night.

“They’re going to stick to what he originally said, which is go to market in November and look at what’s available from the likes of the Bulldogs and the Storm.

“He didn’t say it outright but gave me a very strong indication that the Broncos’ offer (wasn’t enough).

“Payne is on record saying this isn’t all about money, it’s about winning premierships and if the Broncos aren’t in a premiership window I’ll deadset turn it up, he can win a title there.”

Brisbane legend Gorden Tallis has strongly warned Haas against it and said the front-rower will “never be happy” if he turns his back on this deal.

Tallis said Sydney’s cost of living means Haas would need to become the richest player in the game to enjoy the his Brisbane lifestyle in the Harbour City.

“What he has to realise is down in Sydney it’s twice as expensive to live so that million dollars goes a long way in Queensland,” Tallis said.

Payne Haas playing against the Cowboys. Picture: NRL Imagery

“You earn $1.1 in Brisbane, it’s like earning $1.5 or $1.6 here, guaranteed. I think that’s a great offer and would be the highest paid front-rower ever and highest paid in Broncos history.”

Braith Anasta was also left confused as to why Haas would possibly knock back the Broncos’ offer.

“If he’s earning $1.1 million, he’s in a window where they can win a comp and he’s asked for an extension, upgrade and a premiership. Why would he say no to the Broncos?” Anasta said.

“His manager didn’t want to go into great detail about the reasons why, particularly if he’s thinking about a club like the Bulldogs who I would think despite their rebuild are still some time away, possibly four years, from challenging.

“I think the Melbourne Storm is a very realistic option, you jam him into the same pack as Nelson.”

Journalist Brent Read said if Haas does reject the offer it should set off “alarm bells” at Red Hill.

“The Broncos have tabled an official offer, it’s a three year extension, he’s got an upgrade next year to take him to that $1 million mark and then it’s $3.25 million over the next three years, all up it’s about a $3.4 million package for a three-year extension,” Read said.

“If I’m the Broncos and Payne says he wants to turn down this deal and go to November 1, I’m really concerned because that says to me… this sort of deal and you don’t take it, it sets off alarm bells.

Payne Haas could become the game’s greatest ever prop. Picture NRL photos

“Because it’s a good offer and they’re in a premiership window. It’s everything he wanted so if he doesn’t take it…”

Tallis responded: “If he doesn’t take it he’s never going to be happy in life because remember last year he wanted to be a million dollar player and that all stopped because he got booed. Then he said he wanted to win a comp and they’re arguably the best team in the comp alongside Penrith so that window is open.”

Broncos coach Kevin Walters joined the show and said he was confident Haas would re-sign with the club.

“One of the things we have to provide for Payne is premierships, he wants to play at a successful club and I feel we’re providing that for him right now,” Walters said.

“He’s the best prop in the game and has been for the last couple of years. We love having him in the club and I’d expect that we come up with a package for Payne that keeps him certainly happy financially but most importantly happy on the field where he’s been playing some terrific football.

“He’s one we’re certainly looking at keeping and our guys are going really hard to make sure that happens.”

Originally published as ‘He’ll never be happy’: Payne Haas set to reject Broncos’ extension offer in $3.4m bombshell