Why Broncos fans will never forgive Payne Haas for walking out on the club

Payne Haas was meant to end his career as a Broncos legend. After his contract treachery, fans will never forgive him and his legacy is ruined, writes diehard Bronco Rich Lamberton.

Broncos fans will find it hard to forgive Payne Haas. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

Why? Why now, Payne?

As an institutionalised Broncos fan, the last two months have represented more than a five-match win streak – it offered hope of a giddy return to the glory days that now, in one unfathomable demand, seem as far away as the Anthony Seibold ‘era’.

When news broke Brisbane’s No. 1 player Payne Haas had requested an immediate release from the club, that putrid sensation of acid reflux began to creep up the throat.

“He’s going to the Roosters” floats across the room accompanied by sneering smirks and giggles from grown men.

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The eye begins to twitch more rapidly.

How could he do this to us? How could he do this to his teammates – Herbie, Staggs, Reynolds, they’ve all bought into this journey. And Kevvie Walters? The coach who defended his star pupil despite controversy after controversy staining Red Hill with another black eye.

Imagine Alf and Locky or Webby and Tunza walked out like this? Haas, 22, was on track to become one of the club’s greatest servants. Sadly that will never become a reality – even if he stays.

Broncos fans will find it hard to forgive Payne Haas. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

From the outside looking in, it looks like a young man who wants to fatten his already swollen wallet. Behind closed doors it could be something more sinister with questionable characters pulling the strings in a bid to line their pockets with a few more King George shillings.

Whatever the case, Haas’ request to walk out on the club in the middle of the season stinks of greed.

Imagine having the luxury of walking away from a $750,000 salary with a guaranteed $1.2 million-dollar backended bonus.

I’d love to pack my typewriter and quill up and shuffle out office mid-shift. But I wouldn’t do that to my colleagues or my boss who has backed me for eight years – my mortgage is also bigger than Haas’ post-contact metres.

Payne Haas has asked for an immediate release from the Broncos. Picture: NRL

Brisbane released a statement saying the club remains in negotiations with Haas’ team but the superstar prop’s position at the club is untenable even if in my heart of hearts I want to retain him and finish this journey together.

Perhaps that’s me being selfish now?

But for this car crash to play out so publicly surely spells the end of Haas’ association with the club.

Brisbane’s die hard fans won’t forgive this treacherous power play and the reception when he lines up against Gold Coast on Friday will be telling.

Sorry, Payne, but it’s over.

Originally published as Why Broncos fans will never forgive Payne Haas for walking out on the club