Rugby Australia prepared to offer NRL star massive deal – report

After signing Sydney Roosters flyer Joseph Suaalii on a lucrative deal earlier this year, Rugby Australia are reportedly prepared to offer Brisbane Broncos enforcer Payne Haas a staggering deal.

As reported by Fox Sports NRL reporter James Hooper last month, RA are believed to be willing to offer Haas an incredible $4.8 million deal over three years – that’s about $1.6 per year.

Haas is set to come off contract with the Brisbane Broncos at the end of the 2024 season, and is free to negotiate with rival clubs – and codes – from November 1^st.

The deal could see the New South Wales and Australia rugby league representative jump codes ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025, as well as the World Cup on home soil a couple of years later.

“Payne could definitely be wearing Wallaby gold,” RA chairman Hamish McLennan told The Daily Telegraph last month.

“We really like Payne. He has a strong rugby pedigree and it’s probably time for him to spread his wings and do something really special.

“The Broncos are great – but playing for the Wallabies against the British Lions would be even better. By playing rugby, Payne can see the world.”

All Blacks veteran Aaron Smith recently highlighted Haas as a potential cross-code threat, should the Origin star ink a deal with RA to chase his Wallaby dream.

While Smith said he would “hate” to verse South Sydney lock Cameron Murray, the halfback also commented on the potential threat that Haas could pose.

“Payne Haas, him at six or eight,” Smith said on The Ice Project.

“You can’t no respect their ball carrying ability and as I said earlier, if you can win the gain line, you’re gonna win the next play.”