Broncos enforcer Payne Haas has reportedly held talks with R360, the Saudi-backed rebel rugby competition threatening to poach NRL players.
The revelation, first reported by CODE Sports, comes as powerbrokers at the NRL head office discussed measures to combat the lure of multimillion-dollar deals offered by the breakaway league.
Haas, off-contract at the end of 2026, has been linked to at least one meeting with R360 officials but people close to him have reportedly denied that he's made any commitments at this stage.
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The reports suggest that he could command more than $2.2 million annually if he joined R360, a significant upgrade to what he could earn with his next deal in the NRL.
The development has sparked alarm amongst club executives, who reportedly raised the possibility of life bans for players or agents breaking contracts to join the new competition.
R360, backed by private equity and Saudi investment, plans to launch in 2026 with global city-based franchises.
For Haas, it's been a busy few weeks after he recently confirmed that he will represent Samoa over Australia in the upcoming Pacific Championships.
His decision mirrors past moves by stars like Jason Taumalolo, who strengthened Pacific nations by rejecting tier-one sides.
MORE: Payne Haas makes call on Kangaroos future
The NRL, meanwhile, faces the challenge of resisting R360 while securing enough talent for its Perth and Papua New Guinea expansion franchises.
Haas' next move looms as one of the most significant in recent rugby league history, with consequences stretching far beyond the Broncos.