The Brisbane Broncos will hit back against the Rabbitohs and offer Payne Haas a mammoth new contract in an effort to sway him not to leave, with the club hoping to move a mountain before the superstar’s Rabbitohs deal is official.
Haas’ move to the Rabbitohs on a three-year deal was lodged on Sunday setting in train a 10-day cooling off period which allows the Broncos to table a counter-offer in a bit to convince him to stay.
9news Queensland’s Ben Dobbin reports that a five-year deal will be offered.
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“It’s my understanding the Broncos, with this 10-day cooling off period, are about to table a five-year offer to Payne Haas to try and retain him,” he said.
Payne Haas (left) and Patrick Carrigan after the 2025 NRL grand final. NRL Imagery
Dobbin added that the five-year offer could include clauses that would allow him to pursue a code-switch to rugby union.
Reports suggested prior to Haas signing with the Rabbitohs that the Broncos would offer a one-year deal to the prop.
Prior to his contract decision, there was speculation that Haas was a target for R360. A clause in the Broncos’ offer could allow him to leave for the rebel rugby competition if it gets off the ground.
R360’s launch was postponed late last year despite Zac Lomax leaving the Eels in an effort to trigger a massive deal with the rebel competition.
Haas didn’t speak to media at the Broncos season launch or at Brisbane airport when the Broncos jetted off to the United Kingdom for the World Club Challenge.
At the season launch, Pat Carrigan was asked if he’d try to convince Haas to stay.
“I’ll support him no matter what he does,” Carrigan replied.
“But trust me: I love him running out in a Bronx jersey.”
The retiring Adam Reynolds also said he’d try and “twist his arm”.
One of the most recent backflip during a cooling-off period was David Fifita when he signed with the Roosters before deciding to stay at the Gold Coast Titans.