Broncos respond to staggering report

The 21-year-old’s impressive State of Origin campaign saw him branded the best prop forward in rugby league by some commentators and his future is a top priority for the club as it tries to find a way out of the NRL’s cellar following recent years of misery.

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Haas’ future at the club was the subject of a stunning report by The Courier-Mail on Wednesday night with a revelation the Broncos had approved a contract upgrade offer that would extend Haas’ deal through to the end of the 2027 season.

Haas had already signed a long-term deal through to the end of 2024, but his form this year was reported to have prompted the club to upgrade and extend his contract.

The reported six-year deal would make it the longest contract in the history of the club.

The Broncos on Thursday morning released a statement clarifying no deal has been finalised. The statement did not directly address the report’s claim that the club had offered a new deal to Haas.

“Payne is contracted with our club until the end of 2024,” the statement claimed.

“Reports that an extension to his existing contract has been finalised are incorrect.”

The report indicates Brisbane’s board of directors have entertained the historic extension offer in response to a suggestion Haas’ management had pushed for a staggering 10-year extension.

Haas has emerged as one of the backbones of the Broncos in recent years while the club has been shaken up by a roster nightmare, including the losses of David Fifita and Reece Walsh.

Haas’ importance to the club was emphasised earlier this year with Broncos great Corey Parker saying Haas should be the club’s future captain.

Alex Glenn announced his retirement earlier this month, leaving the club’s captaincy vacant for 2022.

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has previously said star signing Adam Reynolds will likely take over the senior position when he leaves South Sydney to join the Broncos in 2022.