Just days after winning his first NRL grand final with the Brisbane Broncos, superstar Payne Haas is set to meet with R360 officials this week over a possible code switch.
For months it has been reported that the NRL’s biggest names would be on the radar of the rebel rugby union competition.
Since R360 received the green light and funding for its first three seasons starting in October 2026, speculation has only grown that several marquee players could walk away from rugby league.
While many considered it a long shot that Haas would even entertain the idea, it is now understood that R360 has ramped up their pursuit and formalised an offer to poach the colossal prop, according to Code Sports.
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The Broncos are well aware of developments, with Haas and his management set to hold a Zoom conference with competition stakeholders this week.
Reports suggest the offer could be worth as much as $1.5 million USD per season, with tax exemptions — a figure almost three times what Haas could pocket in the NRL if he re-signs with Brisbane.
Haas, who recently switched his international allegiance from Australia to Samoa, is about to enter the final year of his Broncos contract.
Fresh off a premiership, the Broncos would normally be confident of retaining their forward leader, however that premiership now also means the 25 year-old has already achieved everything there is in the NRL.
Haas has featured in multiple State of Origin series, represented Australia, and just capped off his eighth NRL season with a premiership.
Having achieved his NRL goals now, the looming prospect of an R360 deal worth generational money, could end up being enough to see him consider a move.
R360 is expected to begin finalising rosters in the coming weeks, with players required to pass medicals before December 20 for contracts to be registered.
As the rebel code ramps up its recruitment drive, the NRL continues to meet with clubs to discuss possible sanctions for players who defect.
League bosses continue to play down the threat of R360, but if stars like Haas begin walking away for money the NRL cannot compete with, the so-called pipedream of a rival code will suddenly become a brutal reality.