Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy denied accusations of complacency to get an extension for Payne Haas signed and said interest from the failed R360 venture “might have done a job” on the club.
Haas released a statement via the Broncos on Thursday morning, stating his family situation was a major factor in making the move to South Sydney at the end of this year.
Since the news broke on Sunday, there had been speculation that Haas had issues with premiership coach Michael Maguire and the Broncos had “low-balled” the NSW star, forcing his departure to Redfern.
Donaghy, speaking to SEN Radio on Thursday morning, shut down suggestions the club was slow to move in locking down Haas’ signature.
However, he believes interest that emerged from the failed R360 venture may have played a role.
“There’s only a couple of us that are dealing with those parties,” he said.
“I think it’s an easy thing to throw peanuts from the cheap seats, but ultimately Payne and his agent and myself have been dealing with those behind closed doors for the best part of nine months.
“I think unfortunately, rugby union might have done a job on us at this time, where probably for the first time ever, the R360 discussions were played out more in the media than in reality.
“Potentially it could’ve played a role in I suppose Payne seeing himself in doing something else other than playing in a Broncos jersey, which he’s done so ever since he was 18.
“We presented a few options to Payne’s people. We were working towards a shorter term extension, but for reasons and factors outside of our control he’s decided to not continue at the club at the end of the year.
“We understand the reasons and the motivations behind it – I won’t go into those, I think Payne’s spoken about those this morning.”
Donaghy confirmed the club was not holding onto the cooling off period, all but allowing Haas to walk.
The Broncos CEO said his signing with Souths wasn’t a huge surprise.
“Behind closed doors they’re conversations that we’re aware of but it’s always disappointing.
“No-one wants to see Payne Haas not being in a Broncos jersey, you are always disappointed when you get the news, but he’s made a decision, and we’ve processed that.
“We’ve got a wonderful squad outside of Payne as well. We’ll be continuing on with those guys in due course, and we’ll look at the market which I think is an important thing for us to do
“Take stock and assess what’s out there, look for the for the right players, not the first players.”
Haas revealed on Thursday morning his move to Souths was driven by wanting a fresh start for his family and rejected suggestions a rift with Maguire was the catalyst for his move.
“My decision, it was pretty hard to be honest. Obviously, I love the Broncos and it’s all I’ve known since a kid, since I came in from school,” he said via a Broncos statement.
“The main factor for me was family. Nothing else to be honest. I felt that being a leader for my family is probably the best move for us to have a change and a fresh new start.
“I’ve got lots of support down there as well with my family and my agent as well, he’s down there, he’s like a second dad to myself and I need those kind of people around me especially now for my siblings and my daughter and for my son as well.
“So, I feel like I’m being a leader, I had to lead and make that decision and it was not just myself but my partner as well. We thought as a family that would be the best for us.”
Haas has taken on the extra responsibility of being the legal guardian of some of his siblings with both his parents in jail.
He also shut down theories about his departure, especially speculation about his relationship with Maguire.
“I can’t believe the stuff with Madge,” he said.
“I can’t believe all the speculation and all the rumours that have been tossed up.
“It’s far from the truth to be honest and that’s me being honest and truthful and transparent, there’s nothing wrong with us, we just won a Premiership together and we won a State of Origin together.
“We’ve got a great relationship, and I enjoy working hard under Madge.
“I’m a hard worker myself and that’s what I pride myself on. The way we work is what I love and I love doing that day in day out.
“For everyone saying that kind of stuff it’s not true and it’s unfair to Madge and the Broncs as well.”
The Broncos flew out this week to prepare for next weekend’s World Club Challenge against Hull KR, with headlines around Haas’ future lingering over the team.
Yet he doesn’t believe his future plans will get in the way of giving his all to the Broncos.
“For the ’26 season I’m ready to go all in for the boys, especially my brothers here, the coaching staff and especially the fans.
“I want to give my all this year again and go back-to-back.
“That’s the main goal and I can’t wait to do that and enjoy the ride and just be present and take it day by day.”
