The Broncos have gone on the defensive following reports the club ‘low-balled’ Payne Haas before he shocked the NRL by signing with Souths — but it now appears they will let him go without any further fight.
Broncos chairman Karl Morris says Haas’ decision “wasn’t about the money”, while also defending coach Michael Maguire amid speculation ‘Madge’ and Haas may not have seen eye-to-eye.
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While it was reported that the Broncos would significantly up their offer to Haas within the 10-day cooling off period, which gives the player the ability to change his mind, Nine reporter Danny Weidler posted on Wednesday that South Sydney appeared to have sealed the deal.
Brisbane won’t launch a counter offer, Weidler reported.
In an interview with CODE Sports, Morris says he’s confident Haas and Maguire have a strong relationship and that the star prop’s decision was due to wanting “to prove himself” elsewhere. CODE reported that Brisbane’s offer to Haas could have been as much as $7.8 million over six years, before the Souths bombshell; perhaps surging past $8 million with ratchet clauses as the salary cap rises.
“It wasn’t about the money. Simple as that. It depended on what he wanted. We talked about a number of options but we’re very comfortable with our position,” Morris said.
“At the end of the day, an NRL career can be very short and I can understand if Payne wants to do the best thing for his family.
“I have never heard one issue with Payne and Madge.
“One hundred per cent there is no issue with Madge — I have not heard one whisper of that.
Haas and his Broncos teammates jetted out to England on Monday in readiness for the World Club Challenge.
Haas to be offered new Broncos deal | 03:10
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Given Haas told his teammates on Sunday, Morris admitted he was surprised by the “timing” of it.
“The feedback was that Payne was looking for a change. When anyone has been doing any job for a long period of time, people always wonder is the grass greener somewhere else,” Morris said.
“Of course I was shocked, particularly at the timing, the day before they were leaving for the UK.
“But with these sorts of things, when is it good timing?
“He simply wanted a fresh start and I think it’s the same case for Payne.
“We wish him good luck.”