Payne Haas has broken his silence on his shock decision to leave the Brisbane Broncos after 10 years to take up a three-year deal with the Rabbitohs.
Haas will depart the Broncos at the end of 2026 to link up with Wayne Bennett in one of the biggest moves in NRL history.
Reports emerged this week that the Broncos had lowballed Haas with their offer while his agent denied that there was a get-out clause in his South Sydney contract that was tied to Bennett’s future at the club.
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On Thurday Haas released a statement where he detailed the motivation behind his decision.
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“My decision, it was pretty hard to be honest. Obviously, I love the Broncos and it’s all I’ve known since a kid, since I came in from school,” Haas said.
“The main factor for me was family. Nothing else to be honest. I felt that being a leader for my family is probably the best move for us to have a change and a fresh new start.
“I’ve got lots of support down there as well with my family and my agent as well, he’s down there, he’s like a second dad to myself and I need those kind of people around me especially now for my siblings and my daughter and for my son as well.
“So, I feel like I’m being a leader, I had to lead and make that decision and it was not just myself but my partner as well. We thought as a family that would be the best for us.”
The 26-year-old’s bombshell decision blindsided the NRL prompting speculation of a falling out with coach Michael Maguire.
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Haas, however, moved to shut down and suggestion of a rift.
“I can’t believe the stuff with Madge,” Haas said.
“I can’t believe all the speculation and all the rumours that have been tossed up.
“It’s far from the truth to be honest and that’s me being honest and truthful and transparent, there’s nothing wrong with us, we just won a Premiership together and we won a State of Origin together.
“We’ve got a great relationship, and I enjoy working hard under Madge.”
“I’m a hard worker myself and that’s what I pride myself on. The way we work is what I love and I love doing that day in day out.
Haas Get Out clause linked to Bennett | 00:53
“For everyone saying that kind of stuff it’s not true and it’s unfair to Madge and the Broncos as well.”
Haas meanwhile, reaffirmed his committment to the Broncos in 2026 as they look to win back-to-back NRL titles.
“For the ‘26 season I’m ready to go all in for the boys, especially my brothers here, the coaching staff and especially the fan,” Haas said.
“I want to give my all this year again and go back-to-back.
“That’s the main goal and I can’t wait to do that and enjoy the ride and just be present and take it day by day.”
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