By Nick Wright
Speaking for the first time since signing the richest deal in Brisbane Broncos history, Payne Haas offered a small laugh when asked how he handles the drama in his life.
How does he block out the white noise surrounding his ongoing contract sage? How does he manage his emotions as some members of his family appear in the headlines for all the wrong reasons?
Broncos wrecking ball Haas.Credit: Getty
“I think my life’s been probably drama filled all my life, so I’m pretty used to it,” Haas said.
“My footy is separate from my private life and what happens with my family. I just try to come in, do what I love and just try being that kid again. It doesn’t really bother me that much.
“It’s been hard, but I guess other people go through worse. My mentality is I don’t try and dwell on it too much and just always try to keep my chest out, chin up and try and do what’s best for the team.”
Haas has defied reports suggesting he would test the open market to ink a contract extension through to the end of 2026 – believed to be around $3.5 million over the next three years.
It comes on the back a campaign in which he has averaged 189 running metres, five tackle busts and 28 tackles a game.
All while his mother Joan Taufua remains in prison for her involvement in a car crash which claimed the lives of three people, and his brother Zeda’s recent drug trafficking charges.
Haas, who said his Southeast Queensland-based family factored into his decision, revealed he had spoken to his mum about his landmark signature, he had not spoken to his brother yet.
Broncos forward Payne Haas has signed the richest deal in the club’s history.Credit: Getty
While his new deal will only retain his services for the next three seasons, Haas indicated that when the time came to negotiate his future once again he would be determined to still remain a Bronco.
It triggered Brisbane coach Kevin Walters to claim the 23-year-old was a player the club could build around, before confessing to feeling emotional for how his star had cast aside his off-field upheaval to become the player he has.
“He’s faced some big challenges, not only on the field but off field as well. I just feel he’s handled that really well and mature,” Walters said.
“He’s a great person for people to look to if they are doing it tough in life sometimes. If you’re prepared to work hard like Payne has things can happen for you.”
It is a far cry from the parochial Suncorp Stadium reception he received just last year, when he approached Brisbane seeking a contract release.
Haas believed he had changed considerably as a person since that ordeal and, now having won back the admiration of the fans, was determined to deliver premiership success.
“I’ve always wanted to stay here, probably on our end I was a bit immature to be honest,” Haas said.
“It was probably good in a way, just to learn about certain things not to do and what to do.
“We’re building something pretty special here. I want to be a part of it and I feel like we can do some damage in this competition for the next few years.”