The Brisbane Broncos have freed up a small amount of cap space as they attempt to keep Payne Haas from joining R360, with forward Fletcher Baker signing with the Bulldogs for 2026. The 25-year-old Baker played 14 NRL games for the Broncos across 2024 and 2025, but fell out of favour with Michael Maguire this season and spent the majority of the year in reserve grade.
He previously played 46 games for the Roosters from 2021 to 2023, and looks to still have a fairly good career in front of him. The Bulldogs swooped when the Broncos opted against offering him a new contract for 2026.
Phil Gould and the Bulldogs announced the signings of Baker, Sean O’Sullivan and Gordon Chan Kum Tong on Monday. O’Sullivan is a veteran halfback who’s played for Penrith and the Dolphins, while Chan Kum Tong is a hooker from Manly.
Fletcher Baker has signed with the Bulldogs as the Broncos fight to retain Payne Haas. Image: AAP/Getty
“We’re very pleased to welcome Sean, Gordon and Fletcher to the Bulldogs family,” Gould said. “Sean has proven to be a reliable half in the NRL with a great footy IQ, which we believe will be beneficial for the young playmakers in our squad.
“Gordon has only scratched the surface of his potential and we’re excited to see where he can take his game, while Fletcher brings valuable experience and depth to our squad after spending time in other successful systems.”
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On social media, Gould hyped up the signing of Baker. “Quality young man,” he wrote. “Country lad. Good stock. Been in good systems at Rooster and Bronco. Big & mobile. Good trainer and loves his defensive work. Can run the ball too. No luck with injury this past couple of years. He’s looking to change his luck. We can help him do that.”
Fletcher Baker is joining his third NRL club. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Baker wouldn’t have been on big money at the Broncos, and his departure won’t free up much cash to try and re-sign Haas. But the Broncos are stepping up their efforts to try and stave off a $3 million from R360.
Haas is said to be seriously considering a move to the rebel rugby union comp, which would mean he’s banned from NRL for 10 years. But the life-changing money would set his family up, and he has a partner and four kids in his care to think about.
Payne Haas is considering whether to take R360’s $3 million offer to set up his family. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
On Monday night, Brisbane chair Karl Morris revealed the club has now offered Haas a job post-football to stay. “There is a wonderful opportunity for him to have a long association with the Brisbane Broncos past his playing career as well,” Morris told News Corp. “He has the chance to be an all-time great at the Broncos. That will bring with it some long-term opportunities for Payne at the club.”
Speaking to Channel 7, Broncos legend Petero Civoniciva said he hopes Haas stays, but would understand if he goes. “He’s been a wonderful contributor for the Broncos,” he said. “Rugby league is such a short-term career, so when you offers thrown around at that scale you definitely have to consider it.”
The Broncos’ current offer for Haas is $1.2 million per season, but Civoniciva wants the club to up that. “He’s the player you build a club around,” he said. “He’s an amazing player.”