‘It’s been really hard’: Payne Haas breaks silence on release bombshell

Payne Haas has revealed where he’d like to play after speaking out for the first time since his shock Broncos release bombshell.

Brisbane Broncos player Payne Haas has asking for on immediate release from the club after salary increase negotiations broke down Picture Nrl Photos

Broncos star Payne Haas has spoken out after handing in a shock release request on Wednesday night.

Haas’ current $800,000-a-year deal wasn’t enough for the Blues enforcer, with his new management seeking $1 million this season and $1.2 million in 2024.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.

Negotiations soured which led to Haas’ team handing in the request, which was flatly refused by Brisbane powerbrokers.

Now, the Broncos have hope of retaining their 22-year-old star after he came out and explained his first choice is to remain at Red Hill.

“I’d like to stay,” Haas said to The Daily Telegraph.

“It’s been really hard, it’s been a tough few days to be honest.

“I turned up here (on Friday night) to play against the Titans, so that shows I am here playing for my teammates and the club.

“That’s all that matters.”

Payne Haas was booed incessantly before the game. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

According to News Corp, there is a view that Haas could walk out on the Broncos as his management turn up the heat in contract negotiations.

When asked if he will remain at the club for the rest of the 2022 season, Haas gave nothing away.

“I don’t know what happens now,” Haas said.

“I don’t want to talk about the release stuff. I’ll let my manager handle that side of things and hopefully they can work things out.”

In his side’s win against the Titans, Haas had a night he will never forget, with boos erupting from the crowd seemingly every time he touched the ball.

Now, Haas’ management are set to sit down with Broncos powerbrokers to resolve the huge $3.2 million contract saga.

Originally published as ‘It’s been really hard’: Payne Haas breaks silence on release bombshell