Payne Haas to be 'richest player in Broncos history' in stunning backflip

Payne Haas is reportedly set to sign the richest deal in Brisbane Broncos history, in a staggering backflip after he wanted out of the club last year. The front-rower has been a human wrecking ball so far in 2023, helping the Broncos to a 5-0 record for the first time since their premiership-winning year of 1998.

His red-hot form is set to see him rewarded with a bumper new deal, with reports emerging on Tuesday that the Broncos are finalising a three-year contract extension for the 23-year-old. According to journalist Ben Dobbin, the new deal will be the biggest in Broncos history.

'WHAT AN INSULT': Wests Tigers' ripped for 'embarrassing' Anzac move

HUGE CALL: Jarryd Hayne could have Dally M medals taken away

“Payne Haas is going to be a Bronco for many years to come. His management and the Broncos are well down the track on an extension on his contract,” Dobson said on Triple M.

“It’s a long-term deal and it would make him the richest player in the history of the Broncos. Remember there has been a million-dollar player before, Anthony Milford, well Payne Haas will surpass that by plenty.

“He is elite, in the top three or four forwards in the game and he is so significant to the Brisbane Broncos now because they lost (Thomas) Flegler. They’ve got (Patrick) Carrigan and the Carrigan and Payne Haas one-two punch is crucial to their success. Payne Haas wants to be a winner, he wants to go somewhere where they’ll challenge for a premiership."

Dobbin also reported that the Broncos were blindsided by Flegler's decision to defect to the Dolphins. “They were shocked to lose Tom Flegler, they understood they were going to lose Herbie Farnworth," he said.

“Corey Oates, Deine Mariner and Jesse Arthars will contend for a wing and centre spot next year. All really capable players. They expected Flegler to stay, he left, and now they have to keep Payne Haas. It is a long way down the track, expect an announcement (soon).

“Well over a million dollars and I think as long as they can get him, I think they’ll get him for another three years. He might go year-on-year but my understanding is they’re a long way down the track.”

Payne Haas' backflip after requesting release from Broncos

The development around Haas comes after he was booed by his own fans at Suncorp Stadium last year when it emerged he'd requested a release from the club. The Broncos struggled mightily at the start of 2022, and Haas wanted out.

However he later backflipped on his release request and admitted the response from fans had left him rattled. "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."

League reporter Paul Crawley said on NRL 360 that he hoped the saga "serves as a warning to every greedy player". He added: “It has been embarrassing, hurtful, shameful and now he has backtracked. I hope the boos ring out in his ears forever."

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. Fans were delighted to hear the news of his impending extension on Tuesday.

Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.