Payne Haas, the best prop in rugby league, will leave NRL champions Brisbane Broncos at the end of the 2026 season with his new club confirmed.

The 26-year-old has made 142 appearances for Brisbane during his career so far with the next of those expected to come against Hull KR in the World Club Challenge, however, the prop and his management have informed the Broncos of his intent to leave.

Payne Haas is off-contract at the end of the current season and there has been talk about a possible exit with the rebel rugby union competition R360 a brief consideration before it was delayed, however, there has been little noise surrounding a switch to a rival NRL team.

That is exactly what is set to happen though with South Sydney Rabbitohs set to sign Payne Haas on a three-year deal from 2027 onwards.

There’s no denying that Haas is currently the best prop in the game and for many, the best forward as well, so a transfer of this size is huge.

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Payne Haas to join South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2027

Both Brisbane and South Sydney have released statements about the matter with the Broncos simply confirming Haas’ intent to leave.

The NRL champs said: “The Brisbane Broncos can confirm that Payne Haas and his management have advised the Broncos that he intends to depart the Club at the end of the 2026 season.

“A signed contract reflecting that position has been lodged with the NRL and the Broncos will make no further comment on the matter until the expiration of the normal ten-day cooling off period.”

The Rabbitohs have confirmed that it it’s them who have lodged that contract, with their statement reading: “The South Sydney Rabbitohs have lodged a signed contract with the NRL for Payne Haas to join the Club for the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons.

“The contract is now subject to the ten-day cooling-off period. The Rabbitohs will be respecting the cooling-off period rules set by the NRL.

“The Rabbitohs will make no further comment regarding this until the ten-day cooling-off period has expired.”

Despite Brisbane knowing that Haas was off-contract, it’s thought that they expected they would be able to sign another one-year deal with the prop forward, or better a long-term solution.

Instead, the best prop in the game is now set for a move that could reshape the NRL.

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Rabbitohs lodge NRL contract for Payne Haas for the next three seasons. ❤️💚

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— South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) February 8, 2026