Rabbitohs recruit Payne Haas has spoken for the first time since joining the club, again denying any falling out with Broncos coach Michael Maguire.
The 26-year-old started pre-season training with South Sydney on Monday, getting in early before he gets married next month.
Payne Haas at Rabbitohs training. Instagram/@ssfcrabbitohs
Haas said coach Wayne Bennett gave him time off in December for the wedding, allowing the front-rower a chance to get his feet on the ground early.
Speaking to media at the club’s training base in Maroubra, the champion prop opened up on the move to Sydney and how he’s settling in as a Rabbitoh.
“It feels good, it feels pretty surreal,” he said.
“I supported this club growing up and to be here at this club is pretty special, and I’m just eager to get to know the boys and earn their respect.
“It’s different, it took me a bit to adjust to the lifestyle here, especially coming from Brisbane where it’s a bit slower, but I’m really enjoying my time. Everyone has welcomed not only myself but my family with open arms.
“I came back early, Wayne gave me a bit of time off in December. I’m getting married to my partner – I’m very excited about it, a bit nervous as well.”
Haas is one of the Broncos’ all-time greats and his bombshell decision to quit the club and move to Souths in 2027 took everyone by surprise.
The contract call has led to ongoing speculation surrounding Haas and Maguire, with many in the game theorising the pair had a falling out.
But when asked point-blank why he left Brisbane, Haas quickly squashed suggestions it was because of Maguire’s coaching methods.
“It definitely wasn’t the training or the coach,” he said.
“The thought of moving scared me, and it made me uncomfortable and that’s why I really wanted to do it. I could have just stayed there [at Brisbane] for the next five years and be comfortable … I didn’t want to have any regrets.
“When I had the sense of being uncomfortable, I just wanted to pull the trigger.
“I don’t really care what people think, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but people close to me and people up there know the real reason.
“I needed a change, and I’ve got that now, so I’m really excited to be here.”
Payne Haas. Getty Images
Haas joins the Bunnies as one of the game’s most accomplished big men, having won a premiership in 2025 to go along with 18 State of Origin matches for NSW.
The signing bolsters the South Sydney forward pack for the next two years and puts the Bennett-coached side straight into premiership contention.
But when asked if he felt pressure to deliver premierships after joining as the club’s biggest-ever signing, Haas played down the expectations.
“Nah, no way – I’m just here to do my work and worry about my own job, and I’m here to fit in with how the South Sydney boys have their culture,” he said.
“I’m not really worried about that kind of stuff, I’m just worried about doing my part, playing my role and training as hard as I can.”