The Broncos’ title hopes in 2026 hinge on Payne Haas’ contract decision, but one league legend believes the club could keep him by offering the “total package”.
Haas has been linked with a mammoth $3 million switch to rebel rugby competition R360, with reports surfacing he would quit the NRL to take up a tax-free payday.
However, Code Sports reported on Tuesday that Haas has informed a representative player close to him that he will remain at the Broncos.
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Regardless, his decision is yet to be confirmed — and Brisbane powerbrokers want a final answer before he returns to pre-season.
That answer could come as a hammer blow for Michael Maguire, with legendary halfback Cooper Cronk explaining his omission next season could slip them out of premiership contention.
“Lets just hypothetically say Payne Haas leaves, I think that brings them back a notch from winning the grand final again,” Cronk said on the Kayo Sports NRL podcast.
“That list they have got that’s exciting from one to 13… but he is the foundation for everything else that Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt, Reece Walsh can do off the back of it.”
Meanwhile, legendary prop Steve Roach added: “I never thought I’d see a bloke better than Glenn Lazarus, this guy the longer his career goes on, he could surpass him and I didn’t think I’d see a better one than him”
While Haas is reportedly leaning towards remaining with the Broncos, Cronk revealed how he would pitch an extension to the superstar prop.
Haas reportedly holds concerns regarding the viability for R360 to get off the ground, while Cronk explained there’s no long-term future to move into once his playing days are done.
That’s the angle the Broncos must use according to the Storm and Roosters premiership-winner — that Haas could be a Bronco for life.
“There’s not a lot you can do at our level that can stop Payne Haas, I think all it is is making sure that Payne Haas feels loved by the Broncos,” he said.
“Adored, opportunities to see life after football… because it is the total package, it’s just not the salary.
“Without knowing what R360 is offering, I dare say that after $3 million and three-years, there’s not much more for Payne Haas to do.”
The Broncos are unable to match the potential tax-free salary on offer from R360, with several big-name stars already signed long-term.
“It puts the Broncos under so much pressure financially, they’ve got so many of their big stars stitched up,” Lara Pitt said.
Haas set to reject R360 for Broncos | 00:36
“They can’t offer Payne the top dollar he could get at R360 or that other clubs could offer him.”
The R360 salaries on offer, according to Cronk and Roach, would certainly make both of them turn their heads had they been on offer during their playing days.
“I would consider it, but I would want to see it a lot more formal, a lot more organised than what it is,” Roach said.
“For me at the moment, it’s a little bit pie in the sky. They haven’t even named who they’ve got.”
While Cronk added: “Payne Haas is a very good person for his family, he looks after his entire family… I imagine his circumstances are completely different to Papenhuyzen and Lomax.
“If I’m a current-day player and I have these moneys thrown at me… I would consider my individual circumstances, I would consider the sum of money.
“But ultimately it comes down to your heart, what does your heart want to do?”
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