Haas Confirmed for Rabbitohs from 2027 in Landmark Deal
Prop Payne Haas is officially set to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs on a three-year contract, commencing from the 2027 NRL season. This significant move will see Haas depart the Brisbane Broncos at the conclusion of the 2026 season. His new deal with the Rabbitohs will extend until the end of 2029, with a potential player option for the final year.
Contract Details and Timeline
The signing was formally announced on Sunday, with both the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs confirming that a signed contract reflecting Haas's move has been lodged with the NRL. A standard ten-day cooling-off period is currently in effect, during which both clubs have stated they will not issue further comment.
This announcement follows earlier reports that Haas had been considering a one-year extension with the Broncos for the 2027 season, an offer reportedly declined by his management in favor of exploring future options. Haas and the Broncos are currently preparing to travel to England for a World Club Challenge match against Hull KR.
Reasons for the Move
Payne Haas has cited family considerations and his long-standing relationship with South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett as primary factors in his decision to move to Sydney. He described the decision as a difficult personal choice, influenced by private family issues requiring him to be closer to family in Sydney.
Haas emphasized his deep connection with Bennett, who gave him his NRL debut at the Broncos in 2018. He noted their bond stemmed from shared experiences with disabled siblings – Haas's brother is quadriplegic, and Bennett has a son with a disability.
Haas stated that this foundation of trust with Bennett was crucial, indicating the move "wouldn't have been that easy if I didn't have Wayne there."
Haas also addressed speculation regarding his relationship with current Broncos coach Michael Maguire, dismissing claims of dissatisfaction with Maguire's training methods as "BS." He affirmed a positive relationship with Maguire, citing their shared success in State of Origin and a premiership. He stated there was "no bad blood" and indicated Maguire was surprised but understood and accepted his decision.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment of Haas by the Rabbitohs was reportedly initiated by coach Wayne Bennett, with significant involvement from South Sydney players Latrell Mitchell and David Fifita. Mitchell, who reportedly conceived the idea over 12 months ago, and Fifita were described as crucial in convincing Haas to join, communicating with him through text messages. Bennett had previously coached Haas at the Broncos, where he convinced Haas to remain as a teenager over joining the Melbourne Storm and signed him to an earlier six-year contract upgrade.
The opportunity for the Rabbitohs reportedly arose after player Keaon Koloamatangi informed Bennett of his decision to join St George Illawarra, which freed up salary cap space for the club.
Previous Speculation
Haas's future had been a subject of intense discussion during the off-season.
- He was previously linked with a potential code switch to the R360 rugby competition, which has since had its start date delayed until 2028. Reports indicated Haas desired to remain within the NRL.
- There was also speculation about Haas potentially joining the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, the anticipated 19th NRL franchise slated to commence in 2028. The Chiefs were expected to have recruitment advantages, including the ability to offer tax-free salaries and operate with a clean $12 million salary cap, with reports suggesting a potential offer of up to $1.5 million per season for Haas.
However, reports indicate Haas's decision to join South Sydney was not financially motivated.
Impact on Brisbane Broncos
The departure of Payne Haas represents a significant roster change for the Brisbane Broncos. Broncos chairman Karl Morris was reportedly seeking clarity on Haas's long-term plans. Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy had previously acknowledged the potential PNG franchise as a significant recruitment challenge and stated the club would face difficult decisions regarding player retention due to salary cap constraints.
Former Broncos player and board member Darren Lockyer stated he was not surprised by Haas seeking other options but expressed surprise at his choice of South Sydney, noting other clubs had been discussed in board meetings. Lockyer suggested Haas was motivated by a desire for a career reset and believed that current players Pat Carrigan and Xavier Willison, potentially alongside an additional forward, could help fill the void left by Haas's departure. The club has also reportedly shown interest in Warriors forward Mitch Barnett.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire had previously stated he did not believe Haas would leave. Haas has reportedly informed his Broncos teammates of his decision. Broncos player Reece Walsh posted well wishes to Haas on social media.
Impact on South Sydney Rabbitohs
The acquisition of Payne Haas is regarded as a significant signing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, drawing comparisons to previous high-profile rugby league transfers. Haas, at 26 years old when he joins, is entering what is considered a prime age for front-row players.
Haas's contract with the Rabbitohs extending until the end of 2029 has led to speculation regarding coach Wayne Bennett's own future, as his current contract with South Sydney concludes at the end of 2027. Bennett, 76, has been the subject of rumors about potentially extending his coaching career beyond 2027.
Rabbitohs player Latrell Mitchell commented "Chess not checkers" in reference to the signing.