Broncos forward Payne Haas has opened up on the “sleepless nights” behind his shock South Sydney switch and strong connection with coach Wayne Bennett that made a “hard” decision a lot easier.
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Haas stunned the NRL world earlier this month when he agreed to join the Rabbitohs from 2027 onwards on a three-year deal, with a player option in his favour for 2029.
The decision caught both Haas’ current and soon-to-be teammates off-guard, with Jack Wighton revealing he had just woken up from a nap when he saw the news on his phone and thought it was April Fool’s Day.
Haas first spoke to reporters in London about the move ahead of Brisbane’s World Club Challenge game against Hull KR, which the defending NRL premiers lost 30-24.
Now back in Brisbane, Haas again fronted the media on Wednesday where he lifted the lid on how family and his existing relationship with Bennett was a driving factor in his decision.
“It was definitely hard,” Haas said.
“I had some sleepless nights before I made that decision. But as a father, as a leader of my family, I’m content with that decision. I had to make the call.
“To be honest, it wouldn’t have been that easy if I didn’t have Wayne there… obviously having Wayne there made it a bit easier for myself. I’ve got that sort of connection and relationship already.”
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Haas went on to explain that reuniting with Bennett, who handed him his NRL debut, was important given he can “trust” the legendary coach.
“My brother (Chace) was quadriplegic, he was disabled and he (Bennett) had a son who was disabled. That’s how we sort of connected,” Haas said, adding that Bennett was his typical self when the signing went down, “not too excited but happy”.
“I feel like our relationship started from that and he’s someone I can trust,” Haas added.
While the allure of playing under Bennett certainly played a role in Haas’ decision, the front rower once again maintained any suggestions that he had grown tired of current coach Michael Maguire’s relentless training methods were “a bunch of BS”.
“I get along with Madge a lot. We won an Origin together and a premiership and there’s no sour taste or bad blood,” Haas said.
“I don’t know where that came from. We’re on good terms.”
Haas said Maguire was initially “shocked” by the news, as were most of his Broncos teammates, but “understood” his reasons for making the move and it was a similar message from lock forward Patrick Carrigan.
“We’re pretty close… so I feel like he (Carrigan) was probably the hardest person to tell it to, to be honest,” Haas said.
“He’s a great man. He understood my decision and respected it.”
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While Brisbane’s full focus in 2026 will be defending its premiership and sending both Haas and the retiring Adam Reynolds out winners, there is also the question of how the Broncos will replace the 194-centimetre hole left by the 26-year-old.
Mitch Barnett’s agent has already confirmed Brisbane’s interest in the Warriors forward after he was granted an early release from his contract, while the Broncos could also look to promote from within.
To that effect, Jack Gosiewski said young prop Xavier Willison is ready for the added responsibility.
“He’s a superstar, he’s still very young, and I think he hasn’t even fully grown into his body yet,” Gosiewski said.
“He’s got massive potential, and he’s already a really good player. I think when he fully grows out in the next few years he could be a really dangerous player.
“I believe he already is. He’s big, strong, powerful and unbelievably fit, so he’s got a massive future ahead of him.”
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