Payne Haas Turns Down Saudi Millions to Sign with Parramatta Eels
Brisbane Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas has stunned the rugby league world by rejecting an eye-watering $2.2 million per season offer from Saudi Arabian club Rebel R30, instead opting to join the Parramatta Eels in a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community.
Haas, widely regarded as one of the best front-rowers in the game, had been heavily courted by Rebel R30, who are attempting to lure marquee names from rugby league and rugby union as part of their ambitious expansion project. The deal on the table would have made him one of the highest-paid athletes in world sport, but in a remarkable twist, Haas has chosen to stay in the NRL system.
The Eels confirmed on Friday that Haas had signed a four-year contract worth a reported $1.25 million per season, a figure that makes him the highest-paid player in Parramatta’s history. Head coach Jason Ryles hailed the signing as a “game-changer” for the club. “Payne is a generational forward. His presence alone will lift the standards of our squad,” Ryles said. “We know the calibre of player and person we’re getting, and we’re excited for what he’ll bring to Parramatta.”
Reaction to Haas’s decision has been divided. Many Eels fans have celebrated the signing as a statement of intent, believing it could help the club return to premiership contention after a disappointing 2024 campaign. However, Broncos supporters have expressed their disappointment at losing their cornerstone forward, with some arguing the club should have done more to retain him.
Brisbane head coach Michael Maguire admitted the departure was a tough pill to swallow. “Payne has been at the heart of our pack for years, and losing him is a blow,” Walters said. “But this is the nature of professional sport. We wish him all the best.”
Meanwhile, Rebel R30 officials are said to be frustrated by Haas’s decision, with sources close to the club indicating they were confident of finalising the deal. Their pursuit of Haas was seen as a cornerstone of their international recruitment drive, designed to raise the profile of the team across global markets.
Rugby league analysts have also weighed in on the saga, with some praising Haas for prioritising his career in the NRL over financial gain. Others, however, argue that turning down such a lucrative offer could be a decision he later regrets.
For Haas, the move represents both a fresh start and a challenge. “I’ve always wanted to test myself at the highest level of rugby league, and for me, that means the NRL,” Haas said in a short statement. “Parramatta have shown great faith in me, and I’m ready to repay that on the field.”
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Haas’s choice to join the Eels has not only reshaped Parramatta’s future but also reignited debates over loyalty, ambition, and the growing influence of overseas money in rugby league.
