Broncos deny Payne Haas immediate release demand in contract saga

Payne Haas has reportedly demanded an immediate release from the Broncos, but the Brisbane side have given a defiant response.

Payne Haas wants out of Brisbane. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Payne Haas has demanded an immediate release from the Broncos.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Brisbane has denied the request, which came on Wednesday night following a breakdown in contract negotiations with the club.

Haas trained with the Broncos on Thursday but according to the report, it is unknown whether he will line-up against the Titans on Friday night.

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The prop is contracted with Brisbane until the end of 2024 on a deal reportedly worth $750,000 in 2022, and $800,000-a-season in the final two years. However, there have been numerous reports in recent months Haas is unhappy with his current arrangement, and believes he deserves more money than what was previously agreed to by his former management.

According to Newscorp, Haas’ management reportedly asked for an upgraded deal to $1m in 2023 and $1.2m in 2024.

The Courier Mail reported that Haas had requested a release.

But the Broncos fired back via a statement on its website, saying Haas would be staying put, despite four clubs reportedly showing interest in signing the wrecking ball up for the remainder of the season.

“Payne Haas is contracted to the Brisbane Broncos until the end of the 2024 NRL Season. The Club will not be entertaining a release,” the statement read.

“The Club remains in ongoing discussions with Payne’s management about what the next phase looks like for him at the Broncos.

“That includes ongoing dialogue about an extension to his current contract.”

Payne Haas has reportedly requested to leave the Broncos. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Some NRL pundits believe Haas could command $1 million-a-year on the open market, with the young gun establishing himself as the Broncos’ best player and one of the most dominant front-rowers in the NRL.

At just 22, Haas has already played seven State of Origin games for NSW and represented Australia in two Tests.

Although the release request was denied by Brisbane, there are already murmurs about which club could snap Haas up should he manage to wriggle out of his contract.

The Dolphins come into the competition next year and are desperate for a marquee signing, but are already well stocked in the forwards and their focus will be on finding top-quality players to fill their spine in the playmaking positions.

NRL reporter Danny Weidler said he had been told by Haas’ camp: “We have not thought about other clubs … let’s be frank … the other 16 clubs would want him.”

The big-bopper is embroiled in a legal dispute with his former management, which has cast a shadow over contract negotiations and his future with the Broncos, which took a huge twist with his request for a release on Wednesday night.

Haas has won the Paul Morgan Medal for the Broncos’ Player of the Year three times.

Payne Haas clearly hasn’t been smiling lately in Brisbane. Picture NRL photos

After a couple of dark years, the Broncos are finally starting to find their feet again in Kevin Walters’ second season in charge and this Haas bombshell is the last thing the club needs.

After claiming the first wooden spoon in their history under Anthony Seibold in 2020, the Broncos continued to suffer in 2021, finishing 14th.

However, the arrival of marquee man Adam Reynolds to steer the ship at halfback this season has led to a huge improvement. Brisbane has won seven from 11 games and is fifth on the ladder.