NRL fans and commentators have reacted with disbelief over revelations Payne Haas‘ management has asked R360 for at least $3 million for one season to consider a switch to the rebel rugby competition. And R360 officials didn’t even bat an eyelid when told the asking price.
Haas is celebrating the Broncos’ grand final triumph over the Melbourne Storm, after a sensational season that cemented his status as the NRL’s best front-rower. The prop forward is in high demand, with speculation rife as to where his future might lie.
The 25-year-old is under contract with Brisbane until the end of 2026 on a deal worth $1.1 million per season. It means he’s a free agent as of November 1 this year, and the Broncos have offered him a three-year extension worth $3.5m all up.
Payne Haas is facing a tricky decision for himself and his family. Image: Getty
But reports have emerged in recent days that Haas is weighing up a potential code switch to join the R360 rebellion. The Sydney Morning Herald revealed on Tuesday that Haas’ management has put talks with R360 officials on hold due to confusion over whether they’re allowed to negotiate with the rival competition before Nov 1.
But in a bombshell revelation, it was also revealed that R360 officials “didn’t blink” when informed they’d need to offer at least $3 million for one season to get Haas to turn his head. Leading reporter Michael Chammas revealed: “Haas’ agent told R360 bosses that his client would not be entertaining offers unless they were north of US$2 million (A$3 million). It is suggested R360 bosses did not blink at the asking price and are still keen to talk with Haas.”
Payne Haas in action for the Broncos in the NRL grand final. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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R360 are offering some major incentives for players to switch codes, including tax-free money and the ability to own their own intellectual property. Players won’t have to live in the city they’re representing, although they’ve been offered residency in tax havens. It’s been suggested that Haas could earn as much as $10 million in just two years with R360 due to the kick-backs.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys has suggested NRL players might be banned from ever returning to league if they join R360, while Rugby Australia have said R360 players won’t be allowed to play for the Wallabies. Other rugby nations are starting to do the same.
Payne Haas’ family dilemma
Complicating the situation for Haas is his delicate family situation. Both of his parents are currently incarcerated, meaning he’s become the legal guardian for two of his younger brothers – Hans and Geejay – who are both still at school.
Haas also has two children with partner Leilani, meaning he’d likely have to relocate all six of them if he moved overseas. However he wants to provide for his family the best way he can, and $3 million for one season would be hard to knock back.
Speaking last year, Leilani opened up on the incredible strength Haas has showed amidst the chaos. “I’m just so proud of him,” she said. “He is so strong mentally. His whole life is in the media. What he is doing for his family, what he is doing for me. I’m sorry if I can’t put it into words. His strength is just … he is amazing. He’s really stepped up to care for those young boys. I don’t know how he doesn’t collapse.”
Haas said of the difficult situation: “I’m not angry but I do get sad. I do feel down for my little brothers. I just feel for them and they have to see this kind of stuff. I get supported by Lani and I’m unable to thank her enough. She is in a tough spot but she doesn’t back down from anything. She has taken on so much for me and I can’t thank her enough for that.”
Payne Haas with family after the NRL grand final. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
NRL world reacts to news about Payne Haas
Speaking on SEN radio on Wednesday, leading NRL commentator Andrew Voss said it’d be a huge blow for the code to lose Haas. “As a rugby league man I fall on my sword. It’s a pimple on the butt cheek of world sport,” Voss said about the NRL compared to other global sports.
“It’s a small sport. Payne Haas, no one knows him in South America. No one in Europe or England knows him. You’re paying this money for him, he would be a massive loss for us. A bigger loss than he is a gain (for R360).”
Fans pointed out that the fact Haas’ management have named their asking price might not bode well for the NRL.