Rugby Australia boss claims code will smash the Broncos’ best offer for Payne Haas by throwing $1.2million a year at the giant prop – as star’s dad ‘says his son is really keen’ to defect
- Rugby Australia now chasing NRL star Payne Haas
- Offer of $1.2million per season ‘won’t be matched’
- Haas’ father reportedly said prop is ‘really keen’ to defect
Bullish Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan has claimed the code will offer Broncos prop Payne Haas a massive $1.2million per season to defect – and that the father of the front-rower said he is ‘really keen’ to depart the NRL.
McLennan, who has got under the skin of many rugby league identities due to his aggressive tactics and constant criticism of the NRL, wants the hulking 118kg enforcer on the Wallabies’ books ahead of the 2025 British Lions tour and 2027 World Cup on home soil.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Which position Haas would play in a gold jersey is the question many footy fans want answered – but McLennan is focused on getting the NSW Origin star to jump ship before talking jersey numbers.
‘I phoned his dad Greg,’ McLennan told News Corp. ‘We had a chat about Payne playing rugby.
‘He said Payne was really keen and the next steps were that we would catch up when I’m next in Brisbane.’
Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan has declared the code will offer Broncos prop Payne Haas a massive $1.2million per season to defect from 2025 onwards
McLennan is also clearly taking great delight in frustrating many rugby league identities due to his aggressive tactics and constant criticism of the NRL
Rugby Australia has already snared Roosters young gun Joseph Suaalii from 2025 on a three-year deal
Haas is off contract at Red Hill next season – and given his form this year, is poised to earn $1million plus per year if he stays in the NRL.
But it is unlikely the Broncos – or any other club – will offer Haas $1.2million annually, even with the recent salary cap increase.
He is currently on the biggest wage in the team at Brisbane, earning just under $850,000 per year.
Veteran halfback Adam Reynolds admitted if Haas does move on, it would be a ‘massive loss to the game.’
What may sway Haas to stay is the Broncos impressive start to the 2023 campaign – they are the current NRL ladder leaders, having lost just twice in 10 outings.
Coach Kevin Walters is quietly confident his star performer in the engine room will remain at the club.
‘We are very comfortable with our position with Payne,’ he said.
‘I’m sure he has some options, but I reckon the good option is to stay at the Broncos and win those premierships he is chasing.’