‘Need him to stay’: Broncos coach reacts to Rugby Australia’s interest in Payne Haas

A new Brisbane deal could be only weeks away for Payne Haas, whom Kevin Walters believes is little chance of defecting to Rugby Australia after his 2024 contract expires.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s impending move to rugby union has been one of the biggest talking points of the season and Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan told News Corp this week Haas was the next NRL player in his sights.

Haas is able to negotiate with rivals for 2025 from November 1 and would command a seven-figure salary in rugby league as the NRL’s form prop and star at representative level.

But RA will attempt to sell Haas on the prospect of playing for the Wallabies against the British & Irish Lions in 2025 and at the home World Cup two years thereafter.

A breakdown in contract negotiations prompted Haas to seek a release from his Broncos contract last year, only for that request to be denied.

But the Broncos have since reinvigorated themselves to lead the premiership through seven rounds in 2023, Haas guiding the forward pack in the side’s 6-1 start.

Ahead of the round-eight clash with Parramatta in Darwin, Walters did not foresee any issues in keeping the 23-year-old at Red Hill.

“I’m very confident that that will happen, it might take a few weeks but I’m sure that Payne wants to stay and we certainly want to keep him,” Walters said.

As one of the best young talents in the NRL, Haas stuck by the Broncos through their dismal 2020 and 2021 seasons and is only now beginning to enjoy the on-field success once assured to the Broncos each year.

“Payne’s been here when there has been some tough times,” Walters said.

“We’re into some greener pastures at the moment and Payne is a big part of that.

“We look forward to him maintaining that, he’s enjoying his footy, loving living in ‘Brizzy’. We just need him to stay here, we want him to stay.

“It’s about keeping Payne happy and making sure he’s learning here and developing as a footballer, which I believe he is. It’s up to Payne’s management and our staff to sort a deal out.

“We’ve got zero real reason to think Payne wouldn’t want to be here in a few years.”

Haas leads the league in post-contact metres and offloads after seven rounds, and is ranked second and fourth respectively for run metres and tackle busts.

Haas’ form is all the more remarkable given he is currently observing Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar that requires Muslims to fast during daylight hours.

“There are some minor changes to what he does with our coaching staff, particularly our performance staff,” Walters explained.

“But really it’s the mental side of things where Payne gets on top of things and he’s been really good in that space.

“He’s quite an incredible athlete, the way he maintains his fitness and physical presence on the field. It’s a credit to him.

“He’s well prepared again this week and I’m sure he’s looking forward to what will be a great game tomorrow night.”