Haas’s Bombshell: Broncos’ Star’s Exit Sealed

Broncos Superstar Payne Haas Confirms Departure: A New Chapter Awaits at the Rabbitohs

Brisbane Broncos fans are bracing for a significant blow with the confirmation that star prop Payne Haas will be leaving the club at the end of the 2026 season. The hulking front-rower, a cornerstone of the Broncos’ success in recent years, has seemingly cemented his decision to move to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Haas, who joined the Broncos as a highly sought-after teenager in 2016, has consistently delivered on his immense potential, culminating in last year’s NRL premiership triumph. Widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the competition, his impending departure has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community.

The news of Haas’s potential move to join Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs first emerged on February 8th, sparking a flurry of speculation and concern among the Broncos faithful. While a standard 10-day cooling-off period offered a glimmer of hope for a dramatic U-turn, a recent social media post from Haas himself appears to have extinguished those hopes.

Responding to a report detailing the impending retirement of teammate Adam Reynolds at the close of the season, Haas shared a poignant message: “last ride brother.” This heartfelt sentiment strongly suggests his commitment to a new venture, signalling his intention to link up with the likes of David Fifita, Latrell Mitchell, and Cameron Murray in the iconic red and green jersey from the 2027 NRL season onwards.

The impact of Haas’s departure has been a topic of discussion among his Broncos teammates. When questioned at the club’s recent season launch about his efforts to persuade Haas to stay, fellow forward Pat Carrigan expressed his unwavering support for his teammate. “I’ll support him no matter what he does,” Carrigan stated. “But trust me: I love him running out in a Bronx jersey.”

Captain Adam Reynolds also indicated a desire to “twist his arm” to keep Haas at Red Hill. However, the confirmed move to Sydney now appears to be a mere formality, despite Brisbane reportedly tabling a substantial five-year contract extension. It seems Haas’s mind is firmly made up, prioritising a fresh start with the Rabbitohs.

Payne Haas: A Decorated Career at the Broncos

Payne Haas’s journey with the Brisbane Broncos has been nothing short of remarkable. He made his first-grade debut in 2018 and rapidly ascended to become one of the game’s premier front-rowers. His early promise was recognised in 2019 when he was crowned Dally M Rookie of the Year. In the same year, he earned his maiden State of Origin appearance for New South Wales after an astonishingly short tenure of just 10 first-grade games.

Since then, Haas has been a consistent and formidable presence for the Blues, playing a pivotal role in their Origin series victories in 2019, 2021, and 2024. His international commitments have also seen him represent Australia and, more recently, commit to Samoa for the 2025 season.

Even during periods of struggle for the Broncos, such as the challenging 2020 season which saw them finish with the wooden spoon, Haas maintained an elite level of performance. He has consistently earned accolades, including multiple club awards and Dally M Prop of the Year honours, underscoring his individual brilliance.

His leadership and impact were particularly evident in the Broncos’ impressive run to the 2023 Grand Final. Furthermore, he was an integral part of the Broncos’ triumphant 2025 NRL premiership-winning side, etching his name into the club’s history books. While his departure will undoubtedly be felt, the legacy of his contributions to the Brisbane Broncos is undeniable. His move to South Sydney signifies the end of an era in Brisbane and the dawn of an exciting new chapter for the talented prop.