Haas manager set record straight on Broncos conspiracy theories

Payne Haas’ manager has broken his silence to set the record straight amid growing speculation of a fallout between the star and the Broncos.

On Sunday it was confirmed that the 26-year-old would leave Brisbane at the end of the season and join the Rabbitohs on a three-year deal.

Since the news broke, the rumour mill has exploded with suggestions Haas fell out with Michael Maguire and that the Broncos did not do enough to keep their man.

Ahmad Merhi – who masterminded the bombshell deal that has rocked the NRL – has now moved to set the record straight insisting Brisbane did “nothing wrong” in the process and that “no amount of money” could have changed the outcome.

“Brisbane have done nothing wrong,” Merhi told News Corp. “The club has always been professional and accommodating to Payne and his family. The CEO Dave Donaghy has always looked after Payne.

“There’s no bitterness, there’s not a fallout and there’s no blame on Brisbane. I’ve been very, very silent through this whole process. From my perspective, once clarity was reached, the decision didn’t waver.

“It was never a money decision. No amount of money would have changed the outcome. The principal reason is Wayne Bennett.

“He’s the central driver, man. Wayne started Payne’s NRL career. Wayne remained a mentor presence throughout Payne’s career.

“His relationship with Wayne has never stopped regardless of the clubs that Wayne’s gone to. He’s always been there for him.

“They’ve always leaned on each other. He’s been like a father figure to him. Speaking personally, to be honest with you, I’ve never met Wayne before but once I spent some real time with Wayne and once I sat in the room with him, I understood the pull.”

In the last 12 months there has been plenty of talk and criticism of how tough Maguire is on his players.

Insisting the conspiracy theories that this was a driving force in Haas’ decision to leave are totally false. Merhi said his client recognises that time is running out to play under Bennett who is 76 years old.

According to reports, Haas has included clauses in his Rabbitohs contract which allow him to depart the club should Bennett move elsewhere or retire.

The mandatory 10-day cooling off period expires on February 18th, but anything the Broncos can table seems futile.

“There’s no U-turn, mate,” said Merhi. “There’s no U-turn situation here. Once clarity was reached, the decision didn’t waver. We met, we spoke, we shook hands, we hugged it out. The handshake is real. We do not do backflips. The decision is done.

“He’s going to turn up and he will hopefully deliver a premiership for Brisbane in 2026. Like I said, the timing is right, it is the next chapter for him.”