Michael Maguire responds after Payne Haas linked with big-money switch to Sydney NRL team..
The rampaging prop has emerged as arguably the best player in the NRL in 2025.
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has addressed the future of superstar prop Payne Haas after Manly CEO Tony Mestrov said last week that he’s a player the Sea Eagles would be keen to sign. Manly will have plenty of salary cap space after the departure of captain Daly Cherry-Evans, who informed the club that this season would be his last at the Sea Eagles.
And Mestrov has already made it clear that Manly are targeting an elite middle forward such as Haas, who is contracted until the end of 2027 but will be able to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 unless he signs an extension with the Broncos before then. “We definitely would have some interest in Payne,” Mestrov told CODE Sports last week.
“In 2027, we will free up salary cap money and we’re looking for a quality front-rower. Payne is already on good money at the Broncos and you would have to pay even more to get him out of Brisbane. Without speaking for ‘Seibs’ (Seibold), he is the type of prop we would be looking at.”
Pictured left to right, Broncos coach Michael Maguire and star forward Payne Haas.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has made it clear he wants to keep hold of Payne Haas amid interest from Manly. Pic: Getty
Those comments are sure to set off alarm bells at the Broncos, who will be loathe to lose their most influential star and five-time Broncos’ player of the season. Haas is already on a $1.1 million-a-season deal at Brisbane, which makes him the second-highest paid forward in the NRL after Gold Coast skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui ($1.2 million).
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It would appear to be a no-brainer for Brisbane to offer the Blues and Kangaroos prop whatever he needs to stay in Brisbane, but the club’s already precarious salary cap position could complicate matters. News Corp reports that “two-thirds” of Brisbane’s NRL roster will become free agents over the next two seasons, meaning the club may be forced to offload players if they want to keep hold of Haas.
The contract situations around Selwyn Cobbo and Adam Reynolds are among a number of questions the Broncos have to figure out. Pic: Getty
The contract situations around Selwyn Cobbo and Adam Reynolds are among a number of questions the Broncos have to figure out. Pic: Getty.
The situation has already led to speculation that Selwyn Cobbo could be forced out, with the club in advanced negotiations to extend his teammate Kotoni Staggs. The Broncos are adamant they want to keep hold of both players but it would mean Cobbo would probably have to take a pay cut from his current $600,000 deal – something he may not be keen on doing, especially when a rival club could almost certainly offer more.
Brisbane have a host of off-contract players that have all featured in their 17 to start the season such as Cory Paix, Kobe Hetherington and Jack Gosiewski – who have all enjoyed a renaissance under Maguire. And the Broncos were also expecting 2025 to be Adam Reynolds’ final season in the NRL, with reports suggesting the veteran halfback is now considering playing on. Reynolds is currently on a $550k deal and any extension would present Brisbane with an even greater salary cap squeeze.
Tom Trbojevic sets up try for Lehi HopoateScroll back up to restore default view.
Michael Maguire keen to extend Payne Haas at Broncos
Haas is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown for Brisbane though, and Maguire has made it clear he is desperate to do what it takes to keep hold of the prop and ward off rival interest. “I would love to keep Payne,” Maguire told News Corp. “I won’t talk about contracts, but what I will say is that Payne is a Broncos man.
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“He is passionate about the club and his passion towards the club is great to be around. One thing you notice is that Payne is very passionate about what he wants to achieve with his teammates at the Broncos. That definitely comes out in everything I have seen.”
Seen here, Payne Haas playing for Brisbane in the NRL.
Payne Haas has been immense for Brisbane to start the season. Pic: Getty
There have been suggestions in the past that Brisbane have been able to keep hold of players on slightly smaller salaries because the cost of living there is not as high as Sydney. It means any offer from the likes of Manly or rival clubs would probably have to be at least $1.3 million per season to entice him to leave Brisbane, where he is well settled with his family.
