Peter V’landys has stated he has full confidence that a proposed 10-year ban will hold up legally for any NRL players who defect to R360 – a hammer blow for Payne Haas amid a $3 million per year offer from the cashed-up rugby comp. And the Broncos are reportedly keen to bring Haas’ youngest brother into their academy next year in a move that might convince the premiership-winner to stay.
Haas is weighing up a $3 million switch to R360, which blows the Broncos’ $1.2m offer out of the water. R360 are also said to be offering tax incentives that means a $3m deal would be the equivalent of being on $5m for one season in the NRL.
This week it came to light that Haas is leaning towards staying in the NRL, and reportedly told a fellow rep player that he won’t be heading to R360. Haas has reportedly been spooked by the threat of a 10-year ban from the NRL, as well as major concerns the rebel rugby comp won’t even get off the ground.
And speaking on Thursday, ARL Commission boss V’landys slapped down suggestions the 10-year ban won’t hold up if challenged in court because it’s not part of player contracts or the code of conduct. “It’s amazing how many expert lawyers have come out of the woodwork, there’s 100 Dennis Denutos out there thinking they know the law,” he told News Corp, referencing the fictional lawyer from ‘The Castle’.
“They can take us on legally. We welcome it, because we are comfortable with our legal position. Any player who signs with R360 will be banned for 10 years, simple as that.
“It is absolutely enforceable. Our legal position is strong. We have consulted our legal team. We wouldn’t have announced this ban unless we had solid legal vision. I have said we will ban players and agents for 10 years and what we promise, we follow through on.”
Broncos keen to sign Payne Haas’ youngest brother
V’landys made the bold prediction that Haas will stay put in the NRL, and a telling move from the Broncos might play a big part. Haas has two young children of his own, and is also the guardian of two of his brothers Hans and Geejay.
With both of his brothers potentially eyeing careers at the Broncos, it might be hard for Haas to leave. The 25-year-old has taken on guardianship of his two youngest brothers because both of his parents are facing legal issues.
Haas’ father Gregor was arrested in the Philippines last year, charged with drug trafficking. His mother Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua is facing manslaughter charges, and is accused of fleeing a car accident on the Gold Coast in 2022 that resulted in three deaths.
Speaking last year, Haas’ fiancee Leilani heaped praise on the Broncos forward for the way he’s handled himself amid the difficult situation. “I’m just so proud of him,” she told the Sydney Morning Herald. “He is so strong mentally. What he is doing for his family, what he is doing for me. I’m sorry if I can’t put it into words. His strength is just … he is amazing. He’s really stepped up to care for those young boys. I don’t know how he doesn’t collapse.”
