It was interesting listening to Payne Haas give the latest update about his future during the week as the Broncos prop flew out for a family holiday to Fiji.

Without saying too much at all, it’s no wonder the Broncos are becoming increasingly nervous about what may unfold in the coming weeks.

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After finally completing his commitments following a memorable season, Haas confirmed to Channel Seven on his way through the airport that he was yet to make a call on his future.

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Yet while indicating that he had not personally spoken to people involved with R360, Haas did little to put to bed fears that he is seriously weighing up his options.

“I am just letting the people who are looking after all that kind of stuff sort that out, they have got more knowledge than me,” a tight-lipped Haas told Seven.

It certainly highlights the magnitude of the decision facing a young man whose unique family circumstances have been widely reported.

And because of those circumstances, I don’t think anyone would begrudge Haas the right to do whatever the hell he thinks is in the best interests of him and his family.

On one hand, he could potentially earn up to $6 million over two seasons to jump ship to the rival rebel comp.

Or he could stay at the Broncos and expect to pocket about $3.5 million over the next three years.

Either way, it’s not a bad deal. But if it comes down to only money, it’s obviously a no-brainer.

Haas leaning towards R360 deal | 00:46

That said, just as Haas has a right to do what is best by him and his family, the NRL also has an obligation to protect rugby league’s best interests from an organisation whose sole purpose at this point appears to be to rape and pillage rival codes from around the world — without any evidence they are willing to put a single cent back into grassroots development.

So if that means the NRL invoking a 10-year ban on Haas or any other player who signs with R360, than it is what it is.

At least the NRL has given Haas very clear guidelines about the potential punishment he could face — and he goes into this with his eyes wide open.

Which is also why it amuses me that some people still want to use the term ‘restraint of trade’ when trying to justify why players should not be threatened with lifetime bans.

As is the case with any employee when weighing up a lucrative offer from a rival company, it is a matter of both parties looking at the pros and cons and making a call with full knowledge of all potential repercussions.

As Haas said on his way through the airport this week, he is being guided by people “who are looking after all that kind of stuff”, who he obviously trusts.

No one is twisting Haas’ arm to follow that advice.

But regardless of where Haas ends up, the game of rugby league will continue to prosper with or without him.

Payne Haas may leave the Broncos for R360 despite the threat of a massive ban.Source: Getty Images

In no way is that meant to downplay how good a player Haas is — because he is already undoubtedly one of the great forwards of this generation, with the chance to one day be remembered as among the greatest front-rowers who ever played the game.

But over the course of almost 120 years rugby league has survived the loss/retirement of many great players equally as talented.

From Messenger to Gasnier, Raper, Langlands, Fulton, Beetson, Lewis, Langer, Stuart, Daley, Lazarus, Johns, Lockyer, Fittler, Thurston, Smith, Inglis and Slater, you could go on and on.

Champions have come and gone — and the game keeps growing regardless.

We have also sustained the loss of those who wanted to chase their fortune in rival codes, from Wendell Sailor to Lote Tuqiri, Mat Rogers, Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt.

Although Haas’ situation is even more precarious given the obvious uncertainty that surrounds R360.

Because while it appears to be a path laid in gold, it has no history or proof it can be sustainable, and there is every chance it ends ups a road that leads directly to nowhere.

You just hope when Haas is finally ready to make his call that he listens to the right advice, from people who truly have his best interests at heart.

Not someone chasing a big payday that could potentially come at his expense.

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Papenhuyzen coy on future plans | 01:15

IT’S TIME KNIGHTS GAVE PONGA AN ULTIMATUM

The uncertainty that surrounds Kalyn Ponga’s future at the Newcastle Knights is another issue that just won’t go away.

But perhaps it’s time new Knights coach Justin Holbrook gave the superstar fullback his own ultimatum.

Because it’s got to the point where you seriously question if the Knights would be better off just letting him go if Ponga really doesn’t want to be there for the long haul.

It gained momentum yet again when Ponga was snapped in New Zealand chatting at a bar with Warriors general manager of recruitment, Andrew McFadden.

While it could well have been just a chance meeting (given Ponga and his father Andre were over for a speaking engagement at the bar with former Warriors forward Sione Faumuina), the continued uncertainty must be so disappointing for Knights fans who have to put up with this speculation year after year.

In fairness to Ponga, he did release a statement earlier this year insisting he will remain at the club until the end of his contract which does not expire until the end of 2027.

But with the rumour mill again in overdrive, it’s hardly the footing Holbrook would have wanted to start his tenure on.

You’d think a player on $1.4 million a season wouldn’t need any further motivation.

Kalyn Ponga must be giving Knights fans a lot of grief, Paul Crawley writes.Source: Getty Images

RADLEY CRITICS NEED TO TAKE A CHILL PILL

Anyone blowing up about the fact Victory Radley will only miss five NRL games next year for his involvement in the text message cocaine scandal need to take their own chill pill.

The reality is Radley’s initial punishment was way over the top, and he never should have been hit with a 10-match ban in the first place when you look at penalties handed down at rival clubs.

The only reason Radley was ever facing such harsh punishment despite never being charged by police was because of Nick Politis’ previous vow that the Roosters would have a “zero tolerance” stance on drugs.

The Roosters have now decided the ban will only include five NRL games along with the three Ashes matches Radley could have played for England, as well as two pre-season games.

It’s a far more reasonable outcome, especially when you take into account Radley will also be about $100,000 out of pocket, as well as donating an extra $30,000 to cancer research.

Remember, Ezra Mam was suspended for only nine matches stemming from his drug driving charge that resulted in an accident that seriously injured a young passenger.