Broncos superstar Payne Haas has addressed the ongoing speculation regarding his NRL future, claiming his family will be the deciding factor in his final decision.
The 23-year-old is off-contract at the end of next season and will become a free agent on November 1st this year, with a host of rival clubs lining up to bid for the NSW and Kangaroos enforcer.
Haas has already been linked with moves to the Bulldogs, Dragons and Roosters, but his manager has continued to emphasise his preference to remain at Red Hill long-term.
The front-rower is currently on a deal worth $848,000 per season, placing him behind eight other players in his position, and will likely attract $1.1 million or more for his next deal.
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Broncos prop Payne Haas addresses NRL future
Speaking to the media prior to his 100th first grade appearance in Round 24, Haas was coy on details regarding his next contract, but revealed he was still in constant discussions with Brisbane.
“We’re still in dialogue with Bronx at the moment," he said.
"We’ve got a good relationship with Kev and Bronx and we understand each other and what we want. I’m not gonna say too much more than that.
"I think it’s gonna be more my family [that is the deciding factor]."
Broncos prop Payne Haas pays credit to Sonny Bill Williams
One man who could play a major role in Haas' decision is cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams, who has become a mentor for the young forward in recent years.
The pair share a strong bond forged by their Islamic beliefs and Haas paid credit to the former Canterbury star for helping through some of his recent issues.
“Sonny is real good, he always reaches out to me," the Broncos star said.
"Obviously I’m going through some stuff and he always reaches out to me and makes sure I’m all good and gives me some advice.
"He is real special to me Sonny, we are pretty close and he’s someone good to have around me."
Williams has close ties to both the Bulldogs and Roosters, but there has been no formal indication that the dual international is swaying Haas to either club for 2025 and beyond.
Payne Haas reflects on NRL journey ahead of 100th game
With his first major milestone in the top grade coming against the Eels in Round 24, Haas looked back on his journey to date and praised legendary coach Wayne Bennett for his career at the Broncos.
“I’ve had lots of experiences in footy now, and to play 100 games, my maturity has gone up a bit too," he said.
"I owe them a lot, they’ve helped me a lot with all that off-field stuff. I’m really appreciative of them and what they’ve done for me.
“I was actually all but nearly done to go to the Storm. Wayne gave me a call at the last minute before I signed on the dotted line, and he swayed me to stay in Brisbane and stay with my family.
"A lot of credit has to go to Wayne, he gave me my first shot and my first NRL contract and I’m really grateful for him.
“I think getting coached by someone like Wayne Bennett, he has coached a lot of greats at Bronx that I looked up to like Petero [Civoneciva], [Shane] Webcke and Glenn Lazarus.
"To learn off someone like him… that was one of the main things that stuck with me."
