Payne Haas' manager responds to Broncos exit rumours amid links to Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Payne Haas does not appear to be going anywhere after his manager rubbished speculation the Kangaroos prop wants out of the club as Reagan Campbell-Gillard is linked to the Broncos. Following an underwhelming campaign, the Broncos have come under extreme pressure after finishing 12th and missing out on NRL finals footy again under coach Kevin Walters.

The Broncos appear to have identified their front row as a potential area they can improve in 2025 with experience needed for some of the younger heads in the squad. Haas is set to undergo surgery on a foot injury, now the Broncos' season is officially over, and speculation has mounted the prop wasn't happy in Brisbane after missing finals footy again.

Campbell-Gillard has been linked to a move north after being granted a release from his contract at Parramatta as incoming coach Jason Ryles looks to make changes. And despite speculation Haas has become unsettled, his manager has quelled any rumours the rampaging forward is unhappy at the club.

"Payne always gets a lot of media around him and there were rumours last week that he wanted to leave Brisbane, but that is the funniest thing I have ever heard," manager Ahmed Merhi said on Tuesday. "Don't believe it. It is totally one hundred per cent incorrect.

"He has never wanted to leave Brisbane and there is no thought of him leaving. He has just bought a brand new property a walk away from the club and the training grounds. His family is settled. He has a young daughter and a little boy on the way. Payne has also taken two of his younger brothers on and they are living with him."

Kevin Walters facing pressure in Brisbane

Walters has come under lots of pressure after failing to make the finals in 2024. While dealing with injuries to Adam Reynolds, Reece Walsh and Haas this season, Walters has now failed to make the NRL finals in three of his four years in charge.

Despite criticism of the coach, Merhi said Haas is behind Walters and he wants to see out his lucrative contract that finishes at the end of the 2026 season. Merhi said Haas could also potentially stay even longer at the club.

"Kevvie is the one that got the deal done for Payne and without him it wouldn't have got done," he said. "Payne loves Kevvie. If I have my way Payne will be staying at Brisbane for the rest of his career."

Payne Haas facing four month recovery

Haas missed round 27 for the Broncos after they were ruled out of NRL finals contention. And the Storm ran riot on the hapless Broncos outfit. Without Haas, the Broncos lack firepower through the middle.

Haas reportedly played through the pain of his injury, which has all but ended his chances of playing for the Kangaroos against Tonga and New Zealand. And Merhi claimed the prop was facing a lengthy recovery, but would be ready for the start of the 2025 season.

"Payne goes under the knife as early as today and will have a four-month recovery," Merhi added. "He should have had surgery four or five weeks ago but he opted to carry the injury to try and play semi-finals. That speaks to what kind of character he is. He hid it from me. When I found out I said, 'what are you doing?' but he wanted to carry on despite the pain because the club means so much to him."

Reagan Campbell-Gillard to leave the Eels

Incoming Eels coach Ryles is reportedly set to make a number of changes at the club after a horror season. Campbell-Gillard is one of the players now on the move having been released from the final year of his contract on Tuesday.

“Reagan is a quality player and has consistently demonstrated his impact on the field, reaching the impressive milestone of 200 NRL games earlier this year," Parramatta head of football Mark O'Neill said in a statement. "While these decisions are never easy, we also wanted to ensure that Reagan had the opportunity to secure his future beyond the 2025 season.

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"We thank Reagan for his dedicated service to the Eels and wish him, his partner Alira and their young family all the very best for the future." Campbell-Gillard has been heavily linked to the Broncos and Dragons with the former now appearing a more likely destination.

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to come to a great Club which helped me get my football back on track,” Campbell-Gillard added. "I’ve really enjoyed my time at Parramatta, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and for the lifelong friendships I’ve made. I also want to thank the passionate Eels fanbase, it’s been a pleasure playing in front of them and I’ve appreciated all their support over the years.”