Former Brisbane Broncos player Denan Kemp has suggested the club might not be too fussed that Payne Haas is leaving because it was ‘inevitable’ that he would quit at some stage anyway. And the fact the Broncos waived the 10-day cooling off period shows they’re keen to move on and start planning for the future.
Haas will join South Sydney from 2027 on a three-year deal, but there’s speculation he might have some get-out clauses to leave early the Rabbitohs early. Haas was all-but going to sign with R360 after the rebel rugby union comp offered a staggering $3 million for one season, before they had to postpone by two years.
The Broncos might not actually be too perturbed that Payne Haas is leaving. Image: AAP
Haas was initially said to be leaning towards a one-year extension at the Broncos, but shocked the NRL world by signing with Souths. Speaking on SEN radio on Friday, Kemp pointed out that Haas had agitated for a release from the Broncos a few years ago as well, and suggested the club might have viewed it as fait accompli that he wasn’t going to stick around long-term anyway.
“Essentially every year there’s been talk about ‘will he re-sign at the club’,” the former Broncos player said. “This was inevitable (Haas leaving). I think at some point in the next couple of years he was going to leave anyway.”
Payne Haas at the Brisbane Broncos’ season launch.
(AAPIMAGE)
Even if the Broncos had re-signed Haas for 2027, the likelihood of him joining R360 in 2028 seems fairly high. It might end up being just a one-year stint at the Rabbitohs before Haas quits the NRL for the riches of franchise rugby.
“It’s not like the Broncos weren’t willing to offer him a six, seven-year deal,” Kemp added. “There always seems to be a reluctance (from Haas) to re-sign with the Broncos every year, even when Kevvie Walters was the coach and Kevvie managed to convince him to stay.”
Denan Kemp commends Broncos over Payne Haas saga
Tellingly, the Broncos opted not to try and convince Haas to backflip after he signed with Souths. Under NRL rules, players have 10 days to potentially change their mind and pull out of a deal after signing at a different club.
“I think it’s strong positioning from the Broncos (to waive the cooling off period),” Kemp said. “Yes Payne Haas is one of the greatest ever, but they’re the Brisbane Broncos and they’ve got to show strong leadership.”
Kemp pointed out that it’s not the first time a big-name star has opted to leave the Broncos, but the club always finds a way to produce players from within to replace them and fill the void. Those players will be Xavier Willison, Ben Te Kura and Aublix Tawha moving forward.