James Hooper has revealed Payne Haas’ management has asked every NRL rival club to gauge their interest in signing the Broncos prop from 2027.
Haas is arguably the best front-rower in the game and was man-of-the-match in the State of Origin opener, but the Broncos lost their sixth game in seven matches in a 34-6 result against the Sea Eagles in Round 13.
Off-contract in 2026, Haas is free to negotiate with rivals from November 1, but Hooper revealed on Fox League that his management have effectively put him in the shop window beyond his current contract.
“There is talk that his agent has gone to all the other rival clubs and said, Payne is off-contract as of 2027 and if anybody wants to express interest that door is open,” Hooper said on Fox League.
“Madge has got to very quickly try and get some fun and some life and frivolity back into going to training and trying to win games because it doesn’t look good at the moment.”
Yvonne Sampson believes every club in the world will make a play for Haas.
“To risk losing Payne Haas, every single rugby league club in the world would want a Payne Haas,” Sampson said.
Mal Meninga believes Michael Maguire needs to get the Broncos back to their winning ways fast or risk losing their best player.
“There is no doubt about that and the first thing you have got to do for a player is keep them happy,” Meninga said.
“They have got to be playing the sort of footy that they love playing. You have got to have some passion and desire and want to be there. You love putting the colours on and running out in the Broncos colours and that’s the first thing about it all.”
Ex-Broncos coach Kevin Walters agreed enjoyment is a key component for modern players.
“That’s the way I coached,” Walters said.
“You play rugby league and there is a lot of accolades and you can make some good money, but you play for the fun and competitive side of it and being part of a team and playing with your best mates and that’s what they have got to get back to.
“They need to find their way pretty quickly because we are now 13 rounds in.”
