Michael Maguire has broken his silence on Payne Haas’ Souths defection, revealing he hoped the superstar prop would remain at the Broncos for the remainder of his career.
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The 26-year-old stunned the NRL world when he decided against signing an extension with the Broncos to join rivals the Rabbitohs under Wayne Bennett on a three-year deal from 2027.
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Maguire revealed to The Daily Telegraph that he was shocked by Haas’ decision to leave the Broncos for an NRL rival and his old club South Sydney.
“Yeah, it did,” Maguire told The Daily Telegraph.
“You never want those sorts of things to happen, but everyone’s moving through a period of what’s right for where they are at.”
Maguire also denied any potential rift between Haas and himself as coach and put the shock decision down to Haas doing what was best for him and his family.
“Payno’ has definitely spoken to me about his family and the various reasons, so I will leave it to him to discuss those,” Maguire said.
“It’s very much around his family. I have a great relationship with Payno and we all live a different life and circumstance.
“Payne felt at the time he wants some more support around him with his family and that’s ultimately what he spoke to me about.”
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Michael Maguire denied a rift with Souths bound star Payne Haas.Source: News Corp Australia
Pressed on whether there was any truth to rumours Haas had fallen out with his coach, Maguire was emphatic in his response.
“I don’t get caught up in the noise,” Maguire said.
“I have been able to share some of the most incredible things with Payne.
“One, with the NSW team where we did something special there, and then obviously last year with the premiership.”
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Maguire admits it will be tough seeing Haas playing in other colours in 2027, but wants to make the rest of his time at the Broncos count.
“I’ve had conversations with Payne and they will stay with me,” Maguire said.
“You always want a player like Payne to be here forever.
“But the reality is everyone has their thoughts and feelings about what they want to do for the future.
“One thing I do know is that Payne is with us for the next 12 months.
“I love coaching him and we all love having him here.
“We have a World Club Challenge game that is next Thursday night (UK time) and Payne is really keen to be part of that.”
The Broncos will play Hull KR for the World Club Challenge title on Friday.