“Make the Move!” – Parramatta Eels Urged to Launch Shock Bid for Payne Haas
In a bold twist that’s sent shockwaves through the NRL community, leading pundits and former players have urged the Parramatta Eels to make a sensational move for Brisbane Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas. The calls come amid growing speculation that the Eels are planning a roster overhaul in 2026—and with Haas’ contract nearing its negotiation window, fans and insiders alike believe Parramatta should make a play for the game’s premier forward.
Haas, widely considered the most dominant front-rower in the league, is contracted to the Broncos until the end of 2026. However, under NRL rules, he will be allowed to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, 2025. With that date looming and the Eels facing pressure to rejuvenate their forward pack, former players have encouraged Parramatta to “go all in.”
“A Game-Changer for the Eels”
Speaking on NRL 360, ex-Origin prop and now-commentator Mark Geyer didn’t hold back:
“If Parramatta want to turn things around and become serious title contenders again, they need to land someone like Payne Haas. He’s a once-in-a-generation front-rower. They should throw the kitchen sink at him.”
Geyer’s comments were echoed by former Eels captain Nathan Hindmarsh, who said Haas would “instantly transform the culture and standard” at the club.
“He’s the type of player that changes games with sheer will. That’s what the Eels are missing—dominance through the middle. Imagine Haas alongside Junior Paulo. It would be one of the most fearsome packs in the comp.”
Why the Eels?
The Eels have struggled with consistency since their 2022 Grand Final appearance and are believed to be eyeing big-name reinforcements. Injuries and recent suspensions—such as the bans to Will Penisini and Ryley Smith—have only deepened concerns about the club’s ability to compete with the NRL’s elite.
Adding Haas would provide a powerful foundation for a new era at Parramatta, especially with their young halves and outside backs showing promise but lacking a dominant engine room platform.
Can They Afford Him?
Haas is reportedly earning around $1.2 million per season at Brisbane, and any bid from the Eels would need to match or exceed that. The club is expected to free up significant salary cap space in the next 12 months, with a number of senior contracts expiring at the end of 2025.
Insiders suggest Parramatta could comfortably table a four-year, $5 million offer—a figure that might tempt the 24-year-old forward if the club can also sell a clear vision of competing for silverware.
Broncos Response
So far, Brisbane officials have played down the talk. Coach Kevin Walters said this week:
“Payne is a Bronco. He’s a key part of our future. We’re already in talks to extend him further.”
Still, with the November 2025 deadline approaching, the Eels have time to prepare—and the NRL world will be watching closely.
Final Word
It remains to be seen whether Parramatta will heed the calls to chase Haas, but one thing is clear: landing him would be the kind of statement that could change their destiny. And in the NRL, bold moves often separate contenders from pretenders.
