NRL 2025: Broncos coach Michael Maguire is determined to keep star prop Payne Haas in Brisbane for life

Broncos star Payne Haas looks set to command big money from cashed-up rivals if he hits the NRL’s open market on November 1, something Brisbane coach Michael Maguire is determined to stop.

Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has outlined his mission to prevent Payne Haas going to free agency and keep the NSW Origin enforcer at the Broncos for life.

The Broncos are gearing up for a potential bidding war for Haas, who goes into Saturday night’s clash against Canberra brimming with confidence after a barnstorming round 1 display against the Roosters.

The five-time Paul Morgan Medallist ripped the Roosters apart in midfield, charging for 145 metres with 11 tackle busts as Haas spearheaded Brisbane’s 50-14 Bondi massacre at Allianz Stadium.

Former NSW Origin playmaker Matty Johns was blown away by Haas’ season-opening performance, saying the Blues bookend has “elevated himself to another level” under new Broncos coach Maguire.

Now Maguire is determined to ensure Haas is never lost to the Broncos.

Having secured superstar fullback Reece Walsh to a $4.4 million upgrade and on the verge of upgrading centre Kotoni Staggs, the Broncos will make moves to ensure Haas is not exposed to a poaching raid.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire wants Payne Haas to be in Brisbane for the rest of his NRL career. Picture: Getty Images

Haas is contracted to Brisbane until the end of 2026, meaning he will be a free agent from November 1 this year, a scenario that would open the door for big-money bids from NRL rivals.

With Parramatta’s Dylan Brown securing a 10-year, $13 million contract with Newcastle this week, Haas could demand huge cash on the NRL’s open market.

But Maguire has no intention of losing Haas and is keen to ensure Brisbane move swiftly to stop their No. 1 prop going to free agency – just as they did with Walsh last summer.

“I’d love to keep Payne, I see him as a Broncos man,” said Maguire, who believes Haas emulate the likes of Glenn Lazarus and Shane Webcke as a premiership front-row legend.

“He definitely has an opportunity to put himself in the history books following the great props that have played at the Broncos.

“I know ‘Payno’ appreciates the history of the club.”

Maguire plans to move swiftly to stop their No. 1 prop going to free agency on November 1. Picture: Josh Woning

A father of two, the 25-year-old Haas now seems more settled at the Broncos than he was three years ago, when he shocked the club by asking for an immediate release.

After crisis talks with Broncos bosses, Haas ultimately had a change of heart and recommitted to the club by inking a three-year extension.

Maguire struck an instant rapport with Haas last year during NSW’s successful Origin campaign and the former Blues coach says he can build the Broncos around the prop’s leadership.

“Payne is a great player and importantly a great human being,” he said.

“I know he wants to excel for the club and the Broncos fans and that’s a good place for him to be.

“I connected with Payne because of the type of person he is.

Maguire says he struck an instant rapport with Haas in NSW Origin camp. Picture: Getty Images

“He has natural talent no doubt, but I also respect him for what he does outside of footy and what he has done for his family.

“That has really resonated with myself.

“When you have people like Payne in a footy club, it’s a bonus.

“In Origin, I had the players’ families in and around the place and I could see the effect that had on Payne.

“He is such a great family man and that’s what a footy club should be built on.”

Maguire used Haas in a different role against the Roosters to what the tireless forward has been accustomed to.

He only punched out 49 minutes, as opposed to his usual 60-70, but was highly effective with a number of damaging carries.

That was despite Haas observing the Muslim practice Ramadan, which includes fasting between sunrise and sunset.

Cory Paix scores Brisbane's second.

Haas was given an early mark at training on Wednesday and lock Kobe Hetherington said a lack of sustenance hadn’t slowed down Brisbane’s top prop.

“He had to go home, he’s doing Ramadan and has been pretty flat out lately,” he said.

“He got through that game doing it, I don’t know how he did it, but he’s a different human.

“It (fewer minutes) worked so I’m guessing it will be (the norm). That’s up to Madge. Whatever he wants from us, we’ll do.

“We all know what Payne’s like. He gives it week-in, week-out and puts up the big numbers.

“He always gives his 100 per cent. He’s gone home early for a bit of rest.”

Haas was targeted by Rugby Australia two years ago but says he never seriously considered switching codes given his love for the Broncos.

“Not really to be honest,” he said.

“There was lots of talks when all my contract stuff was going on, but in my mind I was staying with the Broncos.

“Who knows what the future holds but there’s a few things I want to achieve here first, including winning a premiership with the group of guys we have here.”