Brisbane prop Payne Haas has his sights set on winning an elusive premiership as his manager declares his next contract will get done with the Broncos.
The 25-year-old superstar has been linked to the Perth Bears for the 2027 season but his manager Ahmad Merhi told AAP that "there is no way Payne is going to Perth".
Haas is off-contract at the end of next year but Merhi said the Broncos were the only club in the frame.
"Brisbane is always going to be home for Payne," Merhi said.
"We are in dialogue with Brisbane all the time and have a good relationship with them. Payne is not going anywhere.
"We will get (an extension) done hopefully as soon as the season is over. Now he is just focused on the competition.
"He's done a lot for Brisbane, including when they weren't doing well. He's won five Paul Morgan Medals (as player of the year) and his legacy plays a big role in what he does in the future."
Haas once was on the cusp of signing with Melbourne but now they stand in the way of a top-four finish for Brisbane.
The two sides clash on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium but if history had unfolded in a different trajectory Haas would be wearing a purple jersey.
In his teenage years he was about to get on a plane to fly to Melbourne to sign a contract before former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett called when he was at the airport and convinced him to stay. Haas has been a Bronco ever since.
"No regrets. I love this club," Haas said on Monday when reminded of Bennett's pitch.
"I am glad that happened because obviously I wouldn't have the things I have now. I am very grateful for the journey and very grateful to be a Bronco.
"My main goal since I started here was to win a premiership for Brisbane. I know that is something missing on my resume. It is something I really want on there and I will be going hard for it this year."
Haas has played nine NRL games against Melbourne for just one win. That solitary victory was the qualifying final of 2023 when Brisbane triumphed 26-0 in what was one of their best club performances this century.
"We are two different teams. We are just focused on how we want to play and being present," said Haas of the 2023 side.
"We are not worried about them this week, just worrying about ourselves.
"It is a great opportunity heading into finals to have a game like this and playing with a finals feel. I am excited for the challenge."
Haas is a better player today than he was two years ago.
His tackle efficiency of 98.55 per cent this season is the best of his career, which includes 12 clean sheets in 20 games. His 58 offloads are a career-best. The big unit also has 112 tackle busts, one shy of his best ever.
"I just think it's the people around me. I feel like every year I don't want to let the boys down," Haas said.
"So I'm trying to improve my game each year and play well for them and doing my job to the best of my ability."
Canberra Times
