Payne Haas‘ camp rocked the Broncos when it requested an immediate release last Wednesday night, but the superstar prop has committed to seeing out the remainder of his contract.
Haas is contracted to the Broncos until the end of 2024 on a deal reportedly around the $800,000-a-year mark, but it was understood the 22-year-old’s management had been pushing for him to hit $1 million and beyond.
Haas arrived in the New South Wales State of Origin camp on Sunday night and batted away contract talk in a 9News interview, saying negotiations were in the hands of his management.
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9News rugby league reporter Ben Dobbin reports Haas’ management and the Broncos have reached a truce.
“Great news – Payne Haas’ management met with the Broncos yesterday, and this afternoon have informed the club they will be staying at the Broncos to the end of 2024, and honouring his contract,” Dobbin said on Tuesday night.
“I just spoke to coach Kevin Walters who said he is over the moon with that decision, and is more than happy that Payne Haas stays there.”
The Broncos said in a statement they were “committed to working with Payne and his agent to help map out the next phase of his career”.
Brisbane chief executive Dave Donaghy backed the front-rower despite the contract drama.
“Everyone at our club holds Payne in the highest regard and we feel it very important to have these confidential conversations at a time of the year when there are no distractions,” Donaghy said.
“Payne has been a big part of our club for a number of years and we are looking forward to welcoming him back once his State of Origin duties conclude.”
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Haas reiterated his commitment to the Broncos.
“I underestimated the public interest in my contract situation so want to put those discussions on hold and keep my focus where it needs to be,” Haas said.
“I want the fans to know that they will get nothing but my best every time I pull on a Broncos jersey.”
Broncos fans made their feelings clear in Haas’ first match since making the release request, drowning him in boos every time he touched the ball last Friday night.
Haas was also booed when he returned from the bench in the 51st minute of the clash against the Titans at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, before admitting in a post-game Nine interview that the frosty reception had “rattled” him.
Haas will line up for NSW in the Origin opener at Sydney’s Stadium Australia next Wednesday night.
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