Payne Haas in stunning 'backflip' amid $3.2 million 'farce'

Payne Haas has reaffirmed his commitment to the Broncos for the rest of the season, despite creating waves in the league world by requesting a release from the Brisbane side last week.

Haas stunned the NRL last Wednesday when he made a request for an immediate release from the club, before being booed by Brisbane fans during his side's come-from-behind win over the Titans.

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The prop, who entered Brad Fittler's State of Origin camp on Monday, said he was not "money hungry" and disliked the perception that his release request was viewed as a cash grab.

Haas' management team were reportedly seeking $1 million for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, with an upgrade to $1.2 million for the 2025 season.

His future has been further complicated by the fact the 22-year-old changed managers after the Broncos opened talks for a new deal with his previous agent.

However, the rampaging forward has now backflipped on his decision to seek a release from the Broncos, insisting that he will put his contract negotiations on hold until the end of the season.

"I underestimated the public interest in my contract situation so I want to put those discussions on hold and keep my focus where it needs to be," Haas said in a club statement.

"I want the fans to know that they will get nothing but my best every time I pull on a Broncos jersey."

The Broncos have been adamant they will not grant Haas a release this season, with coach Kevin Walters confident a deal can be thrashed out between the parties.

Brisbane reiterated their stance with a statement on the club's website.

“The Club remains in ongoing discussions with Payne’s management about what the next phase looks like for him at the Broncos.

“That includes ongoing dialogue about an extension to his current contract.”

The stunning turn of events has sparked backlash among NRL fans, with many labelling it a "farce" and veteran league reporter Phil Rothfield insisting the saga has done "untold damage" to Haas' reputation.

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“The Broncos have declared they are confident Haas will stay at the club despite threatening to walk out just days ago,” NRL 360 co-host Braith Anasta said on Tuesday night.

“It was only last week that he said he wanted more money or he was about to walk or his management implied that. But all of a sudden there is a bit of a backflip and they have changed their tune.”

News Corp league reporter Paul Crawley added: “It has been embarrassing, hurtful, shameful and now he has backtracked.

“I hope the boos ring out in his ears forever, and I hope it serves as a warning to every greedy player.”

There have been reports Haas, who is contracted with the Broncos until the end of 2024, wants release clauses inserted into his next deal which would allow him to leave the club if they didn't hit certain criteria of on-field performance - namely a top-four finish.

Brisbane chief executive Dave Donaghy added: "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."

with AAP

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