A desire to remain close to his family and a firm belief Brisbane have the team to win multiple premierships were behind Payne Haas's decision to re-sign with the Broncos.
The 23-year-old prop, speaking for the first time since agreeing an extension with the Queensland club until the end of 2026, said he hoped to be a Bronco for life.
Off the field, Haas admitted, his life has been “drama-filled” - but on it the NSW State of Origin star has continually confirmed his place as one of the great props of the modern era.
Winning titles at the Broncos, like his idol Glenn Lazarus, was at the forefront of his decision.
“The best (place) to do that is here. We have a good shot at this and not just a one-off premiership,” Haas said.
“We can win a couple. We are the team to do that.”
Haas’s mother Joan is in jail on remand facing manslaughter charges, while his brother Zeda has recently been charged with drug trafficking.
“My footy is separate from my private life,’ Haas said.
“It has been hard but other people go through worse. That's my mentality. I don't try and dwell on it too much. I just try and keep my chest out and chin up.
“I come in, train hard and play footy and do what I love.
“I wanted to stay close to my family and my siblings. My missus and her family is around here as well so it's not just my decision.”
Haas was booed by Broncos fans after seeking a release last year from his contract in a saga he says he has learned from.
He said he never seriously entertained other suitors and had “always wanted to stay” in Brisbane.
“Probably it was a bit immature from our end but we got it done. We all learn from our lessons,” he said.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters praised the new deal for the club's four-time player of the year.
“Payne has been our most consistent player for the last four years,” Walters said.
“He is a guy we can build a club around. I really admire his loyalty and his professionalism, not only to himself and his family, but to the Broncos.
“We feel he can play his best football here and at the forefront of everyone's mind is that Payne can live a happy life here in Brisbane around his family.
“He is a great person for people to look to if they are doing it a bit tough in life. If you are prepared to work hard then things can happen for you.”
Walters said he hoped Haas would remain a Bronco beyond his current deal.
“When that time comes around I would like to extend, but we'll see where I go from here,” Haas said.
“I'm happy with this deal now ... I'm grateful to be here now.”
