BRISBANE prop Payne Haas, seen by many as the best rugby league player in the world, will join South Sydney at the end of this season.
In one of the biggest NRL transfer stories in years, the 26-year-old Australia international signed a three-year contract with the Rabbitohs.
His contract was submitted to the NRL for registration on Sunday, Souths said.
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs have lodged a signed contract with the NRL for Payne Haas to join the club for the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons,” read the Bunnies’ statement.
“The contract is now subject to the 10-day cooling-off period. The Rabbitohs will be respecting the cooling-off period rules set by the NRL.
“The Rabbitohs will make no further comment regarding this until the 10-day cooling-off period has expired.”
Under League rules, Haas has the option of changing his mind during the next 10 days – but the timing of the announcement coincides with the Broncos travelling to the UK for the World Club Challenge against Brisbane on February 19.
The Broncos also issued a statement, saying: “The Brisbane Broncos can confirm that Payne Haas and his management have advised the Broncos that he intends to depart the club at the end of the 2026 season.
“A signed contract reflecting that position has been lodged with the NRL and the Broncos will make no further comment on the matter until the expiration of the normal 10-day cooling off period.”