Brisbane remain the frontrunners to secure the signature of Payne Haas despite the powerhouse prop opting to test his value on the open market.
Considered one of the best front-rowers of his generation, the NSW forward could command a seven-figure salary if he chose to leave Red Hill. As recently as March, an opportunity was presented for Haas to try to crack the NFL, although it’s not a path he is currently interested in pursuing. However, rugby could be an option, with“Our concentration this year is not to disrupt the Brisbane Broncos whatsoever,” Merhi said.
“To everyone who has reached out to us, we’ve been very clear in our statements that we won’t have any discussions until November 1.”The Broncos have tabled an extension offer that would make Haas the highest-paid forward in the club’s history, but the 23-year-old has opted not to take it up. Only last year, Haas requested a release from his contract, which Brisbane officials rejected.
The Haas revelation came on a busy day in the player market. Shaun Johnson will finish his career with the Warriors after signing a one-year contract extension.Johnson has arguably found career-best form playing under coach Andrew Webster this season and has opted to stay put. The 32-year-old had considered retiring at the end of this season, but a resurgence has prompted him to play on.