Broncos forward Payne Haas is a real chance of leaving the club and could commant up to $1.6 million on the open market, according to veteran Daily Telegraph reporter Phil Rothfield.
Haas’ agent Ahmad Merhi included the prop’s name in a list of players coming off contract that was sent to all NRL clubs last week,
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It sparked speculation the 25-year-old would test the open market and trigger a bidding frenzy among rival NRL clubs.
Speaking to AAP, Merhi claimed it was just part of standard practice from his agency.
“That list goes out every month. Every coach in every club will get that,” Merhi said.
“Every November 1 we update our list to show who is coming off contract in the upcoming years.
“It is a refresher and reminder to clubs that these players are with us and they need to speak to us in relation to any of those players when the time is right.
Merhi said they were not having discussions with any rival clubs until the end of the season and was confident Haas would stay at Red Hill.
“We have had really good discussions with the Broncos and we are all on the same page. I do believe that Payne will stay at the Broncos,” he said.
“At this current stage we are not striking (any deal). We are waiting until the season is over and then we will go into heavy negotiations.
“Payne is a Bronco. He has always been a Bronco.”
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Rothfield, however, claimed the explanation was a “cover up”.
“It was unusual that he did send the email out,” Rothfield said on NRL 360 on Monday night.
“I’ve heard (Haas) is unhappy there and he’s one of many players who are.
“He wants to win and he stated last time that he stayed at the Broncos to win the title and they are that far off the title it’s not funny.
Rothfield said the plight of the Broncos under Michael Maguire could prove decisive in Haas’ decision.
“I don’t think he’s enjoying his football there, He’s carrying the side one out on his shoulders with a bit of help from Pat Carrigan.”
“I’m not convinced he will stay. The money he’s going to be offered, with competitive dollars, he could be a $1.6m prop.”
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The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read, however, said Haas’ personal situation meant it would be unlikely he would leave Queensland.
“He’s in a unique circumstance. He’s looking after all his siblings and he’s got parents who are in prison in south east Queensland,” he said.
“I would find it stunning if he would pack up and move interstate.”