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NRL fans in frenzy as Payne Haas requests release from Broncos

Andrew Reid
·5-min read
Pictured here, Payne Haas in training with the Brisbane Broncos.
Payne Haas' request for release has been knocked back by the Broncos, with the star forward unhappy at not being granted un upgrade on his contract. Pic: AAP

Payne Haas has left NRL fans in a state of shock after reports he's asked the Brisbane Broncos for an immediate release from his contract.

With rival clubs circling, the NSW and Australian representative forward had been agitating for an upgrade and extension on his current deal that runs until 2024.

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Brisbane have refused to comment, but it's understood the club rejected Haas's management's latest offer and then denied the subsequent request for a release.

It's unclear if Haas will still suit up against Gold Coast on Friday night, despite training with the Broncos squad on Thursday.

It comes as the Broncos' three-time best and fairest winner engages in a courtroom battle with former manager Chris Orr, who is entitled to a commission until the current deal he struck expires.

Since changing managers he has been angling for an upgrade, of the belief he is being underpaid on his current deal.

The Broncos had reportedly tabled a $6 million contract, that 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 and younger brother Klese signed a two-year, full-time deal at the Titans earlier on Thursday.

Haas is regarded by many experts as the premier middle forward in the NRL, with the big prop leading the way for forwards in the competition, with the highest average run metres (181) per game in 2022.

Unsurprisingly, news that Haas is seeking a release from the Broncos has sent fans into a frenzy on social media.

Payne Haas in the headlines throughout 2022

Haas has been firmly in the spotlight in 2022, following the release of video footage showing him and teammate Albert Kelly getting involved in a heated scuffle at a Sydney hotel earlier in the season.

Both men were slapped with suspensions and fines for the incident, which raised questions about the culture at the Brisbane club.

The prop has also been the subject of three separate NRL integrity unit investigations during his time at the Broncos.

The 22-year-old was last year accused of intimidating a female police officer and in 2019 was punished for failing to cooperate with an NRL investigation.

It's understood Haas' management team was seeking a deal worth around $1 million per season for the middle forward, with the club seemingly unwilling to match that staggering figure.

Seen here, Brisbane's Payne Haas being tackled during the round 11 match against the Newcastle Knights.
Brisbane's Payne Haas is tackled during the round 11 match against the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. Pic: Getty (Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)

Speaking about what effect Haas' potential exit would have on the Broncos earlier in the season, NRL great Michael Ennis said it would be a "catastrophic" blow to the club.

“It will be such a blow for Brisbane if he doesn’t remain at the club long-term," Ennis said in April.

“I know he has got two years to go but there is a lot of talk at the moment about where Payne’s future will be.

“It will be a catastrophic blow for them if they lose Payne. He’s so good.”

with AAP

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