The speculation surrounding Brisbane Broncos prop Payne Haas and his future with the club has been firmly dismissed by his manager, Ahmad Merhi. As Haas prepares for surgery on his left foot, there have been rumors suggesting that he might be looking to leave the Broncos. However, Merhi has unequivocally rejected these claims, calling them baseless.
Following a disappointing season in which the Broncos finished 12th and failed to make the finals, the team is actively seeking experienced forwards to strengthen their roster. Melbourne’s Christian Welch and Parramatta’s Reagan Campbell-Gillard are reportedly among the targets the Broncos are considering.
Amid these recruitment activities, there has been speculation about Haas’s commitment to the Broncos, fueled by his evident frustration with the team’s performance. Some reports have suggested that Haas is dissatisfied and seeking to exit the club. Merhi, however, has dismissed these rumors as unfounded. In a statement to AAP, he described the speculation as “the funniest thing” he has ever heard and assured that Haas has no intention of leaving Brisbane. Merhi emphasized that Haas recently purchased a new property close to the club and its training facilities, further cementing his commitment to the team. Haas’s family is settled in Brisbane, with his young daughter and a son on the way, and he has also taken in his younger brothers, highlighting his deep ties to the area.
Haas, who signed a significant contract extension last year, is contracted with the Broncos until the end of the 2026 season. When he signed this deal, Haas praised his strong relationship with coach Kevin Walters, who has also faced scrutiny over his coaching performance. Merhi affirmed that Haas respects Walters greatly and enjoys playing under him. He noted that Walters played a crucial role in securing Haas’s contract, underscoring the mutual respect between the player and coach. Merhi added, “If I have my way, Payne will be staying at Brisbane for the rest of his career,” reinforcing Haas’s dedication to the club.
Currently, the Broncos are conducting exit reviews with their players and have engaged an external party to evaluate the season with key staff members. These reviews are ongoing as the club looks to address their performance issues and plan for the future.
In terms of his physical health, Haas is set to undergo surgery on his injured left foot, a procedure that will sideline him for approximately four months. Haas had previously managed the injury in an attempt to contribute to the Broncos’ efforts to make the finals, putting his team’s needs ahead of his own health. Merhi revealed that Haas had chosen to delay the surgery, which was initially due several weeks earlier, in order to play through the injury during the critical part of the season. This decision speaks to Haas’s dedication and commitment to the team, as he endured significant pain to support his teammates.
Overall, despite the off-season speculation, Haas’s manager has made it clear that the prop remains firmly committed to the Brisbane Broncos, both personally and professionally.
