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Payne Haas plays final Brisbane Broncos match in season-ending win
The Brisbane Broncos concluded their 2026 NRL season with a 34-20 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium. The match served as a farewell for star prop Payne Haas, who is departing the club to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2027. Haas scored an early try but was also sin-binned during the game.
Despite the win, the Broncos' season was marked by significant struggles, finishing with only eight wins and failing to qualify for the finals. This represents one of the poorest returns for a defending premier in NRL history. The club's performance has triggered an internal review, though Haas noted he has had no input into that process.
Off-field tensions have also been reported. Winger Josiah Karapani made comments suggesting players might not receive much rest due to coach Michael Maguire’s training methods, fueling existing rumors regarding player unrest and coaching friction. Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy addressed the club's difficulties and stated that while Haas is leaving for personal reasons, the door remains open for a potential future return.
Entities
Brisbane Broncos · Canterbury Bulldogs · Dave Donaghy · Michael Maguire · Payne Haas · South Sydney Rabbitohs
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] CEO Dave Donaghy expressed support for coach Michael Maguire to remain in his position. 7news.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Brisbane Broncos fell to 15th place in the NRL this season. www.watoday.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au
- [● 5 SOURCES] Payne Haas is set to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs on a three-year deal starting in 2027. www.watoday.com.au · 7news.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Payne Haas declined to comment on the possibility of returning to the Broncos in the future. www.watoday.com.au · 7news.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Broncos admitted to errors in how Adam Reynolds' farewell was handled. 7news.com.au
- [● 5 SOURCES] Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy stated the door remains open for Payne Haas to return to the club in the future. www.watoday.com.au · 7news.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au