Payne Haas has spoken for the first time about his shock signing with South Sydney, slamming a supposed fallout with Brisbane coach Michael Maguire as “far from the truth” and revealing that he made the move for his family.
Haas will join South Sydney on a three-year deal from 2027, a switch the rugby league world didn’t see coming. The decision to leave the premiers has prompted speculation about the NSW prop’s motivation, with some pundits citing a supposed fallout with Maguire or the chance to earn more money at South Sydney.
Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas.
However, Haas said there were no issues with Maguire after winning a State of Origin series and premiership together.
“I can’t believe the stuff with Madge,” Haas said in an interview recorded with the Broncos in London.
“I can’t believe all the speculation and all the rumours that’s been tossed up.
“It’s far from the truth to be honest and that’s me being honest and truthful and transparent and there’s nothing wrong with us, we just won a premiership together. We won a State of Origin together.
“We’ve got a great relationship, and I enjoy working hard under Madge and I’m a hard worker myself and that’s what I pride myself on and the way we work is what I love and I love doing that day in, day out.
“For everyone saying that kind of stuff it’s not true and it’s unfair to Madge and the Broncs as well.”
Haas has a unique family situation; his parents are in jail and he is the legal guardian of some of his siblings. While it was thought those family ties would keep him in Brisbane, the 26-year-old said it was time for a change.
“My decision, it was pretty hard to be honest,” he said. “Obviously, I love the Broncs and it’s all I’ve known since I was a kid, since I came in from school.
“The main factor for me was family. Nothing else to be honest. I felt being a leader for my family is probably the best move for us to have a change and a fresh new start.
“Especially [because] I’ve got lots of support down there as well with my family and my agent [Ahmad Merhi] as well, he’s down there, he’s like a second dad to myself and I need those kind of people around me, especially now for my siblings and my daughter and for my son as well.
“So, I feel like I’m being a leader, I had to lead and make that decision and it was not just myself but my partner as well. We thought as a family that would be the best for us.”
Haas’ bombshell news came just before the Broncos flew out to prepare for next weekend’s World Club Challenge against Hull KR. The Samoan international – he switched his allegiances from Australia last year – wants to leave the club with a second premiership ring.
“For the ’26 season I’m ready to go all in for the boys, especially my brothers here, the coaching staff and especially the fans,” he said.
“I want to give my all this year again and go back-to-back.
“That’s the main goal and I can’t wait to do that and enjoy the ride and just be present and take it day by day.”
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