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Broncos legend takes aim at Payne Haas over 'ridiculous' request

Payne Haas has been harshly criticised by Broncos legend Corey Parker over his demand to be released by the club.
The Broncos flatly denied Payne Haas' request for a release, with club legend Corey Parker slamming the 22-year-old over the timing. Pictures: Getty Images/Fox League

Payne Haas' bombshell request for an immediate release from the Broncos has been slammed by club great Corey Parker, who accused the forward of 'throwing the toys out of the cot'.

The NRL world was taken by surprise when it came to light on Thursday that Haas had demanded out of the club - a request that was flatly denied by Brisbane.

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The Broncos have Haas on their books until the end of the 2024 season, with the 22-year-old earning roughly $800,000 a year for his trouble.

However the open market could represent a lucrative bump in pay for Haas, with some predicting he could command $1M a season or more for another team.

As such, Haas' management have asked the Broncos for a pay rise - $1M for the rest of 2022 and 2023, up to $1.2M in 2024.

Former Broncos captain Parker was far from impressed with Haas' request, pointing out to Fox League that the Broncos had invested substantially in his career to date, including signing him to an extension several years ago while he recovered from a season-ending injury.

“Let’s just rewind when Payne Haas first got to the club, he was an 18-year-old, he was signed for four years after three games and a shoulder reconstruction,” Parker said.

“Never in the club’s history have they done that, signed a middle forward to a long-term deal on around $600,000.

“In that time, they have off their own bat, through good will upgraded his deal.

"Normally when a club upgrades they want an extension, they didn’t do that, just upgraded."

Parker also noted that the Broncos have stood by Haas even through various off-field misdemeanours.

Payne Haas blasted over Brisbane Broncos release demand

With the Broncos on a five-game winning streak, Parker said the news would have come as a shock to teammates, who might now question Haas' committment.

Haas has just changed management, but Parker was adamant the Broncos would have to make a tough decision.

“This player, while he’s a terrific player, at no stage in the Broncos history has one player been bigger than the club,” Parker said.

“I would let Payne Haas go right now, right now. I would let him go.

“This is after five straight wins, if you’re sitting there doing your boots up and you’re looking across - and yes he’s a good player and yes he’s going to play well - but this player doesn’t want to be there.

Payne Haas' request for a release from the Broncos comes amid a five-game winning streak for the club. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Payne Haas' request for a release from the Broncos comes amid a five-game winning streak for the club. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

“He’s getting very, very well paid. To me it shows a real reflection on Payne and from the club’s perspective. They hold their integrity high in regards to the way they’ve looked after him throughout that period but at the moment - let him go.

“If you don’t want to play for the Broncos, don’t play. It’s just ridiculous after what the club has done for him.”

Despite the controversy, the Broncos have confirmed that Haas will be lining up for their match against the Gold Coast Titans on Friday night.

The Broncos are keen to secure Haas, reportedly tabling a $6 million contract - it would have been the richest in NRL history for a prop forward - only for the 22-year-old to knock it back.

The Sydney Roosters have been heavily linked as an interested party, while the NRL's new Dolphins franchise is on the hunt for a marquee man.

With AAP

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