‘Behind closed doors’: Broncos rule out imposing deadline on Payne Haas contract call
Time is ticking for Payne Haas to make a call on his future with huge offers on the table. But the Broncos insist they won’t use one key tactic during the negotiations.
Broncos officials have refused to put a deadline on Payne Haas to make a call on his future as the world’s best front-rower weighs up staying loyal or accepting a life-changing offer to join R360.
Haas is off contract at the end of 2026, with rivals free to negotiate with the representative star as of November 1.
While he’s unlikely to join a rival club, the lure of the Perth Bears remains an option, while R360 would dwarf any offer if the reports are true that the rebel competition is willing to pay him $3m a year.
The club is still basking in the glory of their first NRL title since 2006, with fans dreaming of a dynasty if Haas and fullback phenom Reece Walsh stay put to form the core duo they can build around once skipper Adam Reynolds retires.
Walsh is already signed until the end of 2029, with the Broncos and the NRL desperate for Haas to stay in the game.
“We haven’t put a deadline on that,” Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy said on SEN.
“For both us and Payne as well, we’ve got enormous respect for each other, so we’ll keep having those discussions behind closed doors when he comes back from his break.”
It’s been a big year for Haas with the Broncos, Blues and Samoa, with the powerhouse prop currently enjoying some time off.
His boss is also hoping to enjoy a break which is why he jokingly urged his key forward to make a call on his future soon.
“I’m probably selfishly after an answer because I’m trying to take some leave,” Donaghy said, with a potential 10-year ban on the cards if Haas signs with R360.
“Payne’s on a break at the moment, so we’re going to let him enjoy his time.
“It’s been a massive year for Payne with what’s happened both at the Broncos, and then he’s had a State of Origin series and has been part of the Samoan campaign as well.”
Originally published as ‘Behind closed doors’: Broncos rule out imposing deadline on Payne Haas contract call
