Payne Haas makes HUGE decision on his future – and Brisbane Broncos supporters are not going to be happy
Payne Haas is set to walk away from NRL premiers Brisbane Broncos to defect to a shock Sydney club in 2027.
News Corp has reported that Haas has told teammates that he will reject a $1.2million per season contract extension to stay at Red Hill and will instead sign a multi-million dollar deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
It comes after the powerhouse NSW and Kangaroos prop had also been linked to the rebel R360 rugby competition, before it was postponed.
It has been reported that Haas has signed a three-deal with the Bunnies under Wayne Bennett, a contract that is still in the cooling off period.
The Brisbane Broncos have confirmed that Haas will be leaving the club at the end of the 2026 season.
‘The Brisbane Broncos can confirm that Payne Haas and his management have advised the Broncos that he intends to depart the Club at the end of the 2026 season,’ the Broncos said in a statement.
Brisbane Broncos forward Payne Haas has signed with the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2027 season
Haas will link up with veteran coach Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs along with stars like Latrell Mitchell and David Fifita
Haas has established himself as the best forward in the NRL since his debut in 2018
‘A signed contract reflecting that position has been lodged with the NRL and the Broncos will make no further comment on the matter until the expiration of the normal ten-day cooling off period.’
South Sydney confirmed that a contract had been lodged with the NRL for approval.
‘The South Sydney Rabbitohs have lodged a signed contract with the NRL for Payne Haas to join the Club for the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons,’ South Sydney said in a statement.
‘The contract is now subject to the ten-day cooling-off period. The Rabbitohs will be respecting the cooling-off period rules set by the NRL.
‘The Rabbitohs will make no further comment regarding this until the ten-day cooling-off period has expired.’
‘That is massive,’ former NRL star and Triple M host Aaron Woods said.
‘That puts them into contention, premiership favourites for next season.’
Haas debuted for the Brisbane Broncos in 2018 and quickly emerged as one of the NRL’s premier frontrowers, earning praise as a future superstar.
In 2019 he won Dally M Rookie of the Year and made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales after just 10 NRL games, becoming one of the least experienced players selected in Origin history.
Haas is also a representative star and has played for the New South Wales Blues, Australia and has now pledged to play for Samoa
Haas has since been a regular for the Blues, helping win Origin series in 2019, 2021 and 2024, while also representing Australia and later committing to Samoa internationally in 2025.
Despite Brisbane’s struggles during the 2020 wooden spoon season, Haas consistently performed at an elite level and collected multiple club and Dally M Prop of the Year honours.
He played a key role in Brisbane’s run to the 2023 Grand Final and was part of the Broncos’ 2025 NRL Premiership-winning side.
He has played 142 NRL games for the club.
South Sydney have confirmed Keaon Koloamatangi will leave at the end of 2026, with the Kangaroos forward signing a five-year deal with the Dragons from 2027.
Cody Walker comes off contract at the conclusion of this season, while Jai Arrow, Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell are all tied to the club through until the end of 2027.
Captain Cameron Murray remains secured longer term, contracted until the end of 2028.
Haas will travel to England on Monday night to take on Hull KR in the World Club Challenge at 5:30am AEST on Friday.
