'Chest out and chin up': Payne's rollercoaster ride amidst premiership push

A little over 12 months since boos rang out at Suncorp Stadium, a more mature Payne Haas says he’s ready to help lead the Broncos to the premiership promised land after signing a contract extension with the Brisbane club through to the end of 2026.

Having sensationally requested a release from his contract midway through the 2022 season, the Origin star was met with high emotion by fans across the game and a chorus of negativity from those at Brisbane's rugby league cauldron following the Broncos' Round 12 win over the Titans.

But with a new two-year deal in tow and the Broncos on the charge to their first premiership since 2006, Haas said the experience taught him “a good lesson” that helped him mature and establish himself as arguably the game’s premier prop.

“I had always wanted to stay here,” Haas reflected. “I think, on our end, it was probably just a bit immature, to be honest. At the end of the day we got it done and we all learned our lessons.

“It was probably a good lesson [to learn]. To learn about certain things not to do and what to do... we all learn.

“We got it [the contract] done. I’m happy we’re here now and winning games and it’s good for us.”

Sitting alongside coach Kevin Walters at Friday's announcement, and paying credit to “the guy on the right” as one of the driving factors behind his new deal, Haas said there was little doubt as to the potential of the Broncos in the coming years and its significance in his decision to sign on.

The decision to remain close to his family was another key factor. Haas has endured a number of highly-publicised incidents with his mother and brother in recent months, with the 23-year-old father shouldering the weight of responsibility both on and off the field.

“It’s been hard, but a lot of people go through much worse and that’s what my mentality is,” Haas said. “I don’t try and dwell on it too much.

“I just keep my chest out and my chin up and do what’s best for the team. I don’t think about it at all when I come to training.

"I just come in, train hard, play footy and do what I love – it’s pretty easy around here and I haven’t really been distracted.

“I think I’ve been drama-filled all my life – I’m pretty used to it,” he said.

“My footy is separate to my private life and what happens with my family. I just come in here and do what I love and try and be that kid that enjoys being around his mates and coaches.

“[My mum] gave a few words to me the other day which I won’t go into. 

But she would be very proud of me and I’m just happy to make her proud.

Broncos prop Payne Haas

Walters choked back emotion as he reflected on his star forward’s struggles, praising his loyalty and professionalism throughout a challenging time.

“He’s faced some big challenges, not only on the field but off it too,” Walters admitted. “I just think he’s handled it really well [and] really mature.

“He’s a great person for people to look to if they’re doing it a bit tough and if they’re a bit lost sometimes. If you’re prepared to work hard then things can happen for you.

“Payne’s been through a lot and it’s great to see him play the footy he is. He’s got his family here in Brisbane to get around him and support him which I think is really, really important.”

Haas’ commitment to the Broncos is the high-point of a strong year on the recruitment front, with the likes of Tristan Sailor, Martin Taupau, Deine Mariner, Jesse Arthars and Pat Carrigan all extending their deals in 2023.

Roosters prop Fletcher Baker will link up with Brisbane next year to fill the void left by departing prop Tom Flegler, while Walters said talks remain ongoing for star playmaker Ezra Mam.

“It means a lot to the Broncos [to secure Payne]. It’s our mantra to hang on to the players you want to keep and that’s always been the case here,” Walters said.

“It’s my job and the management’s job to make sure that the players that belong in a Broncos jersey stay in a Broncos jersey.

“Payne is a guy you can build a club around.

I don’t know the ceiling of this team and where they can get to, but I know we’re a very good side.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters

“I believe the contents are here for a really successful club.

“The Panthers have shown us they’re a hungry side still and they’re showing the way for all clubs. We have the ability to do that... but we’re still chasing that.”