Brisbane Broncos representative star Payne Haas is on the record suggesting he doesn't want to leave Red Hill.
Brisbane is home for Haas. That much is fairly clear.
But money talks, salary cap pressures bite, and with the new Saudi Arabian-backed Rugby 360 competition also reportedly talking to his management, what looked like a possible sure thing - Haas staying in Brisbane - looks less and less like it by the week.
Off-contract at the end of 2026, the Brisbane Broncos still have exclusive negotiating rights for the star until November 1 this year, but then, it'll be open slather.
The Broncos are unable to make any traction on a deal while they are still alive in the competition, and then will have just a matter of weeks to sort things out with Haas.
He is, without doubt, the best prop in the game.
If he gets to November 1, then anyone with the cash and in need of a forward pack leader is going to want to put an offer on the table for the star.
That'll include the Perth Bears who have a blank cheque book, but there are other clubs who could easily turn Haas into the game's highest-paid player.
It's something the Broncos won't be able to do given the other big-money deals they have for players, led by he seven-figure contract for Reece Walsh.
Haas is already on that seven-figure mark, but increasing from the low to mid one million dollar value is unlikely to be in Brisbane's plans.
So, if Haas does decide it's time for a shake-up, where will he land?
We look at all 16 other clubs, as well as the Perth Bears, and rate the chance.
6. Almost certain to make an offer
Perth Bears
This goes without saying.
The Bears have earmarked Cameron Munster and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui as their potential first two marquee recruits, and if they are going to get the duo, they likely wouldn't have the money to tempt Haas across the country.
But if they miss either, particularly Fa'asuamaleai given he is the current Gold Coast Titans' captain, then they will almost certainly enter the market for Haas if he is still available come November 1.
You'd almost be scratching your head and trying to work out why if they don't.
North Queensland Cowboys
Could a relocation to Townsville interest Payne Haas?
It would certainly interest the Cowboys, although one would expect they'd need to pay significant overs to attract his signature.
At this stage, 2027 only sees the Cowboys with Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter contracted in the middle third. They have plenty of spots available come November 1, and money on top of that.
Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden soak up some of the salary cap, but not to the extent of other clubs.
Haas will be a player, if he is still available on November 1, that the Cowboys will be giving plenty of consideration too.
