Peter V’landys personal powerplay to keep Payne Haas in the NRL as R360 pathway emerges
ARLC boss Peter V’landys will personally intervene to keep Broncos heavyweight Payne Haas out of R360’s clutches, as a surprise stepping stone destination for NRL defectors emerges.
Major League Rugby in the USA has emerged as a potential hit-and-run home for Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax as ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys prepares to pick up the phone and convince Brisbane Broncos superstar Payne Haas that his future lies in the NRL.
The masthead understands that rugby union officials in America have been contacted about their interest in hosting Papenhuyzen and Lomax next year as a forerunner to the pair joining rebel rugby union competition R360.
Major League Rugby runs from February until June - R360 is due to kick off its inaugural season in October next year. While Papenhuyzen and Lomax are yet to reveal their plans for the future, both have been widely tipped to join R360.
Haas is also believed to be leaning towards accepting a big-money offer from R360, although V’landy wants to make sure that doesn’t happen and plans to speak to Haas when he returns from an overseas holiday.
“I will speak to Payne because I have been asked to,” V’landys said.
“At the moment I am letting him have a break. I am letting him have some peace and quiet, but I will be talking to him.”
Lomax’s decision to walk out on the final three years of his deal with the Eels has heaped more focus on Haas and his future given reports from this masthead that he is being tempted by a huge offer from R360.
V’landys reiterated his belief that players weighing up a move to rebel rugby union competition R360 are being treated like guinea pigs and warned them to tread carefully given the lack of clarity around R360’s finances.
“I just feel very sorry for the players,” V’landys said.
“They are being hung out to dry. As custodians of the game, we have to protect the fans. The fans want us to do something.
“We will be very strong. They are jeopardising their careers in the NRL for something they know nothing about.
“I have nothing against the players. They are being used as guinea pigs. I hope they get their money up front and bank guarantees.
“Anyone can make promises. Can they deliver them? I feel sorry for Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen (if they go to R360).
“Where is the duty of care? Who has done that for them? Where is the due diligence? I stand by what I said - it’s out of a Corn Flakes box.”
Lomax was linked with R360 by this masthead months ago and although he is yet to confirm his next move, there has been speculation he will spend time in America learning the intricacies of rugby union in preparation for R360’s launch.
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Originally published as Peter V’landys personal powerplay to keep Payne Haas in the NRL as R360 pathway emerges
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