NRL 2023: Payne Haas reveals ‘big three’ contract demands to stay at Brisbane Broncos

With Payne Haas set to test his value on the open market, we reveal the three contract demands that could keep him at the Broncos for life.

Payne Haas is mulling over three key factors as he considers his NRL future. Picture: NRL Imagery.

It is the hat-trick of demands that could keep Payne Haas at the Broncos for life.

Sport Confidential can reveal the multifaceted strategic plan Haas has devised as the prop weighs up his future ahead of his return from injury in Friday night’s clash against Souths at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Haas dropped a bombshell on the Broncos last week when his management revealed plans for Brisbane’s No.1 prop to test his value on the open market from November 1.

That stance has left the Broncos vulnerable to a poaching raid, with Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis revealing the joint-venture club has funds in the salary cap to win a bidding war for Haas’ signature.

But it is understood Haas is mulling over three key factors and he will remain at Red Hill if the Broncos come to the party on his wishlist.

Payne Haas is mulling over three key factors as he considers his NRL future. Picture: NRL Imagery.

The Big Three ticket items include:

* Money – are the Broncos prepared to pay Haas at least $1 million a season?

* Ambition – can the Broncos give Haas what he really wants on the field: a premiership ring?

* Opportunity – will Brisbane bosses provide post-career opportunities to help with Haas’ transition for life after football?

Broncos chiefs held a fresh round of talks with Haas’ manager Ahmad Merhi in the wake of revelations the prop was going to free agency and the parties thrashed out the 23-year-old’s on and off-field requirements.

The Broncos are confident they can satisfy Haas’ first two agenda items.

Brisbane have already discussed a three-year extension worth $1 million annually. The deal will make Haas the first $1 million forward in Broncos history, so in reality few NRL rivals can blow Brisbane out of the water financially.

Brisbane also tick the second box. Wooden spooners just three years ago, the Broncos are on track for a top-four finish this season and have built a roster to give Haas every reason to suggest they can help him achieve his stated ambition to win a premiership.

The third request puts the ball in Brisbane’s court.

While money is one factor, Haas is also looking for post-career opportunities for life after football. Picture: Getty Images.

Haas is already wisely planning for the future and any potential NRL suitor will have to outline what post-career opportunities they can provide to cater for his personal and professional growth beyond football.

The Bulldogs, Dragons and Tigers could potentially afford to offer Haas $1.1 million, but he has no interest in playing for a struggling team.

The Broncos have a four-month headstart on their NRL rivals and the reality is if Brisbane deliver the right holistic package – meeting Haas’ Big Three wishlist – the four-time Paul Morgan Medallist will stay loyal.

“I know several big clubs are keen, everyone has to look at their rosters, but Payne is happy at the Broncos,” his agent Ahmad Merhi said last week.

“Last year when he looked at a release, the Broncos weren’t a finals team, but now they are a serious contender.

“If I get an offer from the Broncos I can’t refuse, then we would definitely sign before November 1, but right now it’s in his best interests to wait until November 1.

“Payne is committed to Brisbane and his heart and soul is with them right now.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Payne Haas reveals ‘big three’ contract demands to stay at Brisbane Broncos