The manager of Brisbane prop Payne Haas has rubbished suggestions the Australia forward wants out of the club as he prepares to undergo surgery on his left foot.
After finishing 12th and missing the finals, the Brisbane Broncos are seeking experienced forwards to strengthen their squad. AAP reports that Melbourne’s Christian Welch and Parramatta’s Reagan Campbell-Gillard are among the targets.
Amid the club’s recruitment efforts, speculation arose that star forward Payne Haas, known for his competitive nature, was unsettled and wanted to leave the team. However, Haas’ manager, Ahmad Merhi, dismissed these rumors.
“Payne always attracts media attention, and there were rumors last week that he wanted to leave Brisbane, but that is the funniest thing I’ve ever heard,” Merhi told AAP on Tuesday. “It’s completely false. Payne has never wanted to leave Brisbane and has no intention of leaving. He just bought a new property within walking distance of the club and training grounds.
“His family is settled, with a young daughter and another child on the way. He’s also taken in two of his younger brothers, who are living with him.”
Payne Haas signed a lucrative contract last year that keeps him with the Brisbane Broncos until the end of 2026. When the five-time Broncos Player of the Year finalized the deal, he spoke about his strong relationship with head coach Kevin Walters, who has faced scrutiny over his coaching abilities. Haas’ manager, Ahmad Merhi, emphasized the respect Haas has for Walters and his enjoyment of playing under him.
“Kevvie is the one who got the deal done for Payne, and without him, it wouldn’t have happened,” Merhi said.
“Payne loves Kevvie. If I have my way, Payne will stay at Brisbane for the rest of his career,” said Haas’ manager, Ahmad Merhi, emphasizing the close bond between the star player and coach Kevin Walters.
The Broncos are currently conducting exit reviews with players and have enlisted an external party to assess the season alongside key staff, with those discussions still ongoing.
Haas, who returned to play against the Dolphins just four weeks after suffering a Lisfranc injury against the Gold Coast Titans, will miss the Pacific Championships at the end of the season. Despite his injury, Haas prioritized the team’s success over his own well-being in an effort to help Brisbane reach the finals.
“Payne goes under the knife as early as today and will have a four-month recovery,” said Haas’ manager, Ahmad Merhi.
“He should have had surgery four or five weeks ago, but he chose to carry the injury to try and help the team in the semi-finals. That shows the kind of character he has.
“He hid the injury from me. When I found out, I said, ‘What are you doing?’ but he wanted to keep playing despite the pain because the club means so much to him.”