"Zero" concern NRL star will make rugby shift

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters says the club has “zero real reason” to think superstar Payne Haas will make a code-switch to rugby with a big money offer potentially on the way.

Buoyed by snaring teenage Roosters star Joseph Suaalii on a $4.8 million deal, Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan said wrecking ball Haas “could definitely be wearing Wallaby gold” in the future with a bid for his services looming.

Haas is contracted with the Broncos until the end of 2024 and Walters on Thursday said there was little chance of a defection to rugby when that deal expires.

The 23-year-old did ask for a release from his deal in 2022, a request that as denied, and Walters was adamant Haas was determined to stay at the Broncos, and win a premiership, with a new deal possibly imminent.

“I’m very confident that that will happen, it might take a few weeks but I’m sure that Payne wants to stay and we certainly want to keep him,” Walters said in Darwin ahead of Friday’s showdown with Parramatta

“Payne’s been here when there has been some tough times. We’re into some greener pastures at the moment and Payne is a big part of that.

“We look forward to him maintaining that, he’s enjoying his footy, loving living in ‘Brizzy’. We just need him to stay here, we want him to stay.

“It’s about keeping Payne happy and making sure he’s learning here and developing as a footballer, which I believe he is. It’s up to Payne’s management and our staff to sort a deal out.

“We’ve got zero real reason to think Payne wouldn’t want to be here in a few years.”

Haas has been key in Brisbane’s 6-1 start to the NRL season, ranked second and fourth respectively for run metres and tackle busts.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission