In a major boost for the Brisbane Broncos, superstar prop Payne Haas has officially turned down a staggering $5.6 million deal from NRL expansion club the Perth Bears, instead reaffirming his commitment to the Broncos.
The Perth Bears, set to enter the competition in 2026, were prepared to make Haas the face of their franchise with a four-year mega deal that would have made him one of the richest players in league history. But the 25-year-old Origin and Test star has opted to stay loyal to Brisbane.
“I’ve always said I want to win a premiership with this club,” Haas said in a brief statement. “Brisbane is home for me — I love the boys, the fans, and what we’re building here.”
The Broncos are reportedly finalising a new multi-year extension with Haas, who has been one of the most dominant forwards in the game since his debut. His decision is seen as a major vote of confidence in Brisbane’s premiership ambitions and a blow to the Bears’ recruitment drive.
Perth’s aggressive pursuit of marquee players continues, but missing out on Haas — one of the biggest names in the sport — is a reminder that building culture and loyalty may be just as important as money.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters praised Haas’s decision, calling him “a leader of our pack and the heart of this club’s future.”
With Haas locked in, Brisbane now turns its attention to re-signing other key players and cementing its status as a title contender in 2026 and beyond.
