The Brisbane club was “shocked” by Payne Haas‘ request for an immediate release from the remaining two and a half seasons on his contract, according to coach Kevin Walters.
Contract negotiations between Haas and the Broncos broke down on Wednesday night, after which the 22-year-old’s management emailed the club seeking an immediate release.
Haas is contracted to Brisbane until the end of the 2024 season, a deal reported to be worth $750,000 for 2022, rising to $800,000 in 2023 and $850,000 in 2024.
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One of the best front-rowers in the game, Haas reportedly feels he is worth more than that. He is believed to have asked for $1 million for 2023 and 2024, and $1.2m for 2025.
“His management has asked for a release. They put an offer to us for Payne to stay, and we rejected that offer,” Walters told Brisbane’s Nova radio.
“We understand Payne has been a great player for us, and we want to look after him financially, but we just couldn’t come to an agreement.
“Contracts are about negotiation, and we’re happy to negotiate.”
While Walters and the Broncos might be happy to negotiate, it appears Haas isn’t so keen.
“They sent an email back to (football manager) Ben Ikin saying that if this isn’t the case, then Payne wants an immediate release, which shocked us really,” Walters explained.
“We’re trying to work through with his management on keeping Payne at Red Hill.
“That’s the outcome we both want. I’m sure we can come to an agreement.”
Walters noted that Haas had been in the Brisbane system for close to a decade, and declared that the drama surrounding the front-rower wouldn’t concern his teammates.
“We stood by him in good times and bad. It’s a two-way street. He’s always been a Bronco and we want him to remain,” he said.
“The players treat rugby league as a business, they understand that at different times players are going to move on.
“That’s the world they live in.”
Earlier this week the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Haas, who has taken legal action against Chris Orr and Pacific Sports Management, is now facing a counter claim in the NSW Supreme Court from his former manager, who is seeking more than $200,000.
That came after Haas allegedly refused to sign a new deal with the Broncos, brokered by Orr, worth $5.75 million.
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