Payne Haas theory shot down as Broncos star linked with $2 million switch to rival NRL team
The Brisbane and NSW prop is coming off contract at the end of 2026.
Many believe the Bears will target Haas as their first high-profile signing, and could be willing to offer as much as $2 million per season. The likes of Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Selwyn Cobbo have also been touted as top targets, with AAP reporting Papenhuyzen is a ‘prime target’.
Discussing the situation on SEN radio on Friday, former Broncos player Kemp suggested the likelihood that Haas would switch to Perth is slim. “They talk about Haas going, but Payne Haas can get paid $1 million and win a premiership somewhere else,” he said.
“Surely that’s what he’s thinking with his next contract – winning a premiership. You’d have to go as high as $2 million because why would you go and spend the rest of your career in Perth, when he could even be a cross-code star (in rugby). That’s how many options Payne has, and I don’t see that happening (signing with the Bears).”
Payne Haas’ difficult family situation
Complicating matters for Haas is his delicate family situation. Both of his parents are currently incarcerated, meaning he’s had to become the legal guardian for two of his younger brothers – Hans and Geejay – who are both still at school.
Haas also has two children with partner Leilani – three-year old daughter Lalita and five-month-old son Luckee – meaning he’d have to relocate all six of them if he moved interstate. Speaking last year, Leilani opened up on the incredible strength Haas has showed amidst the chaos.
“I’m just so proud of him,” she said. “He is so strong mentally. His whole life is in the media. What he is doing for his family, what he is doing for me. I’m sorry if I can’t put it into words. His strength is just … he is amazing. He’s really stepped up to care for those young boys. I don’t know how he doesn’t collapse.”
Haas said of the difficult situation: “I’m not angry but I do get sad. I do feel down for my little brothers. I just feel for them and they have to see this kind of stuff. I get supported by Lani and I’m unable to thank her enough. She is in a tough spot but she doesn’t back down from anything. She has taken on so much for me and I can’t thank her enough for that.”
Jahrome Hughes delivers dagger amid Perth links
On Thursday, Storm halfback Hughes also moved to shut down links to the Bears. Hughes is also off contract at the end of 2026, but can’t see himself leaving the Storm.
“I think my name’s probably only up there because I’m off contract around that same time,” said the Kiwi Test halfback. “I haven’t really thought about it, and if I have it my way then I’ll be here forever, so I might have to talk to ‘J-Rod’ (Storm boss Justin Rodski) soon about that.”
Due to expected increases to the salary cap in coming years, the Perth-based Bears will present an opportunity for the first player in the history of the game to break the $2 million barrier. North Sydney Bears board member Billy Moore predicted last week that the market for players will explode in the next few years, and suggested that Dylan Brown’s $14 million deal across 10 years with Newcastle will soon be regarded as “benign”.