In a move that has sent shockwaves across the NRL landscape, Brisbane Broncos superstar Payne Haas has officially rejected a mammoth $12.5 million offer reportedly tabled by the Parramatta Eels, opting instead to remain loyal to the Broncos. The decision marks a major win for Brisbane, who have now secured the game’s premier front-rower for the foreseeable future

The high-stakes negotiations had the rugby league world buzzing, as multiple clubs – including the cashed-up Eels – vied for Haas’s signature. Reports suggested the Parramatta Eels were willing to pay up to $2 million per season in a bid to lure Haas away from Red Hill. But in a show of rare loyalty in the modern professional era, Haas chose team stability and premiership potential over the lure of an unprecedented payday.

Loyalty Over Money

Payne Haas, a key figure in the Broncos’ resurgence over the past two seasons, has often said that his priority is to win a premiership. In a statement following his decision, the 24-year-old said, “I love this club. I love my teammates, and I believe in what we’re building here. I’ve said before that I want to win a premiership with the Broncos, and I meant that.”

Haas’s decision to stay is all the more remarkable considering the staggering sums being offered. According to sources close to the negotiations, the rejected deal would have made Haas the highest-paid forward in rugby league history. However, his choice demonstrates that not all players are driven solely by money – a sentiment that will no doubt endear him even more to Brisbane fans.

Broncos Land Their Man

The Broncos have been proactive in retaining their core players as they seek to end a long premiership drought, and re-signing Haas was at the top of their priority list. The club is believed to have locked him in on a deal worth over $1.1 million per season until the end of 2026 – a figure that cements Haas as the highest-paid player in the club’s history.

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters was understandably thrilled with the outcome, stating, “Payne is a once-in-a-generation forward. He’s the cornerstone of our pack, and his presence gives us a platform to win big games. This is a huge moment for the club and our future.”

The retention of Haas continues a broader strategy by the Broncos to build a long-term premiership-contending roster. Key stars like Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan, and Kotoni Staggs are also under contract, forming the nucleus of a team many expect to contend for the title in the coming years.

The Deal Haas Rejected

While Parramatta is yet to officially confirm the extent of their offer, multiple reports suggest the club was willing to commit around $12.5 million over six years – a staggering commitment that would have put pressure on their salary cap and forced a major reshuffle of their existing roster.

For the Eels, missing out on Haas is a bitter blow, particularly given their ongoing search for a dominant forward pack leader. Their inability to land a marquee signing of Haas’s calibre may also frustrate fans who believe the team has plateaued in recent seasons.

Future Implications

Haas’s decision to remain in Brisbane sets a powerful precedent. In an era where player movement is often driven by financial factors, his commitment to the Broncos demonstrates that culture, loyalty, and success still carry significant weight. It also sends a strong message to rival clubs that the Broncos are once again a destination of choice for elite talent.

While the Broncos will likely need to manage their salary cap carefully in the coming years, the investment in Haas is seen as both wise and necessary. His work rate, durability, and impact on both sides of the ball make him indispensable.

What’s Next for Haas?

At just 24 years old, Haas still has the bulk of his career ahead of him. If he remains injury-free and continues at his current trajectory, he could go down as one of the greatest forwards in rugby league history. With Brisbane showing strong form and the squad building nicely around him, a premiership could be well within reach.

For now, Broncos fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their star prop isn’t going anywhere.