Gold Coast teenager Payne Haas being chased by all NRL clubs and even NFL

MEET Payne Haas. The Gold Coast sensation, already bigger than Jason Taumalolo, is being chased by all 16 NRL clubs, and has offers to defect to NFL.

MEET Payne Haas. The Gold Coast sensation is being chased by all 16 NRL clubs, is already bigger than Cowboys hulk Jason Taumalolo and now has offers to defect to American Football.

The 16-year-old Haas is weighing up whether to quit rugby league and chase the NFL dream made real by Jarryd Hayne after fielding interest from US colleges.

Payne Hass, 16, looks set for a big future in NRL or NFL.

This year’s NFL draft ended on Sunday in America and if the NRL had an equivalent system, Haas — a skilful front-rower — could feasibly be the code’s No. 1 pick.

Still eight months shy of his 17th birthday, Haas weighs 110kg and at 193cm is 2cm taller than Taumalolo.

The teenage monster was chased by Broncos coach Wayne Bennett last year and is so highly regarded, his manager claims every NRL club is bidding for his signature.

Currently on scholarship with the Warriors, Haas is off-contract at season’s end and Hayne’s exploits in the NFL have opened his eyes to a lucrative career in American Football.

“Payne is weighing up whether to stay in the NRL or whether he should try to make his name in America with gridiron,” said his agent Chris Orr, who also manages Taumalolo.

“There is no doubt in my mind he will be an NRL star in the future if he chooses to stay in rugby league. The scary thing is Payne is already bigger than Jason Taumalolo and he’s only 16.

“He could get an American college scholarship tomorrow and be a smash hit over there, but he has interest from every NRL club so Payne has a big decision to make.”

An Australian under-15s representative, Haas is a product of leading Gold Coast league nursery Keebra Park High.

He was contracted to the Titans last season, but inexplicably slipped the net after failing to receive a new deal when the NRL took control of the strife-torn club.

“Payne was in the Titans’ Academy program but when the NRL took over and contracts were re-done, the Warriors and the Broncos chased him,” Orr said.

“We met with Wayne Bennett but Payne chose to sign a one-year deal with the Warriors because he had family in New Zealand.

“He doesn’t have Taumalolo’s step, but he has more size and a great motor for a front-rower.

“He just loves the collisions. He’s got the skills of Arthur Beetson with the endurance of Glenn Lazarus.”

Haas idolises Souths enforcer Sam Burgess and has taken inspiration from Hayne’s brave NFL adventure.

“I watch NFL all the time,” he said.

Payne Hass has some big decisions to make.

“I have watched a bit of Hayne and it’s pretty amazing what he has done, it was crazy taking a risk like that.

“I was really nervous talking to Wayne Bennett. I chose the Warriors because I had family to help me out and I’m still deciding what to do.

“I really enjoy playing league but I’m definitely interested in gridiron and it’s good to know I’ve got time on my side if I want to trial in America.”