In-demand Brisbane Broncos forward Payne Haas has attracted interest from rugby union minnows, the Western Force, in another attempt from Rugby Australia to sign a big name from rugby league.
Haas has announced that he is set to test the open market on November 1 and has declared he’d like to stay close to his family, be in contention to win a premiership and be paid $1 million.
The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis believes it’s highly unlikely that Haas would relocate to Western Australia to play rugby union but Super Rugby teams will continue to ask the question.
“The Western Force, the rugby union franchise, has expressed interest in Payne Haas,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“It’s the 400th franchise across all the codes that have put their hand up for Payne Haas.
“He’s obviously a guy in demand and these clubs are not going to die wondering.
“They’re putting their hat in the ring and seeing if they can entice Payne Haas across to the Western Force.”
The Western Force struggled in the 2023 Super Rugby season with a 5-9 record. The Force have history in attracting league players with Sydney Roosters winger Ryan Cross playing 49 games across 2007 and 2010.
SEN’s Andrew Voss suggested Haas’ motivation for heading to the open market is to attract third party offers.
“My information is that his management is chasing up to a $1 million in third-party,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“He will get his $1 million in base salary but it’s third-party where he is chasing the extra coin.
“It’s whoever can generate the most third-party (deals) that will be in front of the queue.”
Haas’ Broncos have the bye in Round 25 before travelling to Canberra to take on the Raiders in Round 26.