Payne Haas is reportedly ‘leaning towards a career change’, with claims rebel rugby competition, R360, is prepared to pay the Broncos premiership winner $3 million-a-season if he jumps ship from the NRL. Haas is among a number of high-profile stars that have been linked with a big-money switch to R360, despite the NRL threatening 10-year bans for any contracted players who speak with the rebel competition – either individually or through their management.
And The Daily Telegraph reported on Saturday that officials from R360 are increasingly confident they’re on the verge of landing Haas, in what would be a devastating blow to Michael Maguire’s Broncos and the NRL. Haas’ manager Ahmad Merhi was scheduled to speak with R360 officials last month but postponed discussions to get clarity from league bosses about potential repercussions.
Payne Haas (L) is reportedly considering a $3 million offer from R360 in a potentially massive blow for the Brisbane Broncos and coach Michael Maguire (R). Pic: Getty
But the report says that hasn’t stopped rugby officials approaching Haas with a mouthwatering offer that could be too good to turn down for the Brisbane superstar. It goes on to explain that while no contract has been signed by Haas, R360 officials believe they are on the verge of securing his signature.
News Corp cited sources close to the situation who’ve indicated ‘Haas is leaning towards a career change’. It means Sunday’s Pacific Cup final against New Zealand could be the forward’s final Test for Samoa, if he does end up making the switch and cops a lengthy ban from the NRL.
Haas is set to spearhead Samoa’s bid to win the Pacific Cup final against the Kiwis, before the 25-year-old sits down with his manager to discuss his future. The game’s best prop is contracted with Brisbane until the end of 2026, and the Broncos have tabled him a lucrative extension to remain at the club. It’s expected Haas will make a decision on his playing future in coming days.
R360 hoping to lure Payne Haas with massive offer
But the reported $3 million-a-season deal from R30 would blow away anything the Broncos – or any other NRL club for that matter – would be able to offer Haas. Tax incentives linked to the deal would make it even more lucrative. And the monster offer could effectively set the 25-year-old and his family up for life.
Both of Haas’ parents are behind bars and he’s the sole guardian of his two younger siblings, as well as being a father himself. And it could explain why the Brisbane powerhouse might be considering turning his back on rugby league to take the mouthwatering sums of money on offer from the rival code.
The 25-year-old wrecking ball has already ticked off one major career goal by winning an NRL premiership with Brisbane this year. And he’s also achieved the dream of honouring his family heritage by representing Samoa. Victory in Sunday’s Pacific Cup decider could be viewed by Haas as the perfect opportunity to start a new chapter.
Samoa and Broncos star Payne Haas is expected to decide on his future after Sunday’s Pacific Cup final against New Zealand. Pic: Getty
It’s understood Haas has no intention of walking out on the final year of his contract with Brisbane in 2026. But if discussions with R360 progress, the NRL may take it out of his and the club’s hands if they follow through with the threat of a huge ban. The R360 competition is set to kick off in October next year, which could further cloud Haas’ situation if he does decide to make the switch.
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The development comes hot on the heels of Melbourne premiership winner Ryan Papenhuyzen’s shock decision to quit the NRL. Papenhuyzen is another big-name target of R360 and is free to make the switch after being granted a release from the final year of his NRL contract with the Storm.
It’s unclear whether the NRL would welcome back Papenhuyzen in the future if he does end up joining the rebel rugby competition. And Haas would face the same uncertainty if he does take the riches on offer from R360, but wants to return to the NRL at a later date.