Brisbane Broncos chairman Karl Morris has rubbished suggestions the NRL club ‘low-balled’ Payne Haas when offering him a contract extension.
Haas, 26, shocked the rugby league world on February 8 when it was announced he was leaving the premiers after the 2026 season to take up a three-year deal with South Sydney.
Speaking to the Courier Mail, Morris also said Haas had not had a falling out with coach Michael Maguire.
Morris said the club was set to pay Haas nearly $8million to stay at Red Hill long-term, but the prop simply wanted a change of scenery.
‘I have never heard one issue with Payne and ‘Madge’ (Maguire),’ Morris said.
‘One hundred per cent there is no issue with Madge — I have not heard one whisper of that.
Champion prop Payne Haas shocked the rugby league world after signing with South Sydney
Broncos chairman Karl Morris has hit back at suggestions the club’s offer to Haas was insulting
‘The feedback was that Payne was looking for a change. When anyone has been doing any job for a long period of time, people always wonder is the grass greener somewhere else.’
Despite the explanation, Morris and the club were still stunned at the timing of the news Haas wanted to leave, ahead of the World Club Challenge in England.
Haas, who has won the Broncos Player of the Year six times, is understood to be happy with his decision, with a backflip during the 10-day cooling off period unlikely.
There were talks the Broncos were set to offer Haas millions to change his mind, but it’s understood the club won’t make the champion front-rower a last-minute offer to stay.
Haas is the highest-paid forward in Brisbane’s history dating back to 1988, on a deal worth $1.2million in 2026.
The club was considering offering him a six-year deal worth $1.3million a season with the possibility of increases triggered by rises in the salary cap.
The fact Haas still decided not to sign at Brisbane long-term pointed to his desire for change.
‘It wasn’t about money. Simple as that,’ Morris said.
Michael Maguire’s tough coaching methods have been under the microscope for years
Haas often leads the way at training and wins many of the fitness tests (pictured, at Red Hill)
Linking up with Souths coach Wayne Bennett for a second time was a key factor for Haas
‘It depended on what he wanted. We talked about a number of options but we’re very comfortable with our position.’
‘Payne is at the absolute top of his game. He is going to a new city, a new club and a new future. I believe he simply wants a fresh start and I can’t knock him for that.’
Morris also said rumours Haas was unhappy with Maguire’s tough training sessions, including another pre-season army camp, were wrong.
He pointed to the fact that Haas has historically been the club’s best trainer.
Speculation about Haas’ South Sydney contract have been rife in recent days with most wondering how the club got him to sign on.
There have been reports the Bunnies offered more get-out clauses than the Broncos which may allow Haas to leave for global rugby competition R360 when it starts in 2028.
Haas, 26, joined the Broncos in 2016 as an in-demand teenager, and the hulking front-rower has more than lived up to his potential.
Along with fullback Reece Walsh, he is viewed as a vital figure at the club.
In 2019, Haas was crowned Dally M Rookie of the Year and made his State of Origin debut for NSW after just 10 first grade games.
