<h2>Payne Haas Signs for South Sydney – Four Pointer News</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Payne Haas has signed a three-year deal with South Sydney Rabbitohs starting from the 2027 season.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Brisbane Broncos were left stunned by the superstar prop's decision to leave Red Hill.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Wayne Bennett's influence and David Fifita's recruitment efforts played key roles in securing Haas.</p> <p>- &nbsp; The signed contract has been lodged with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl">the NRL</a> but remains subject to a 10-day cooling-off period.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Broncos Blindsided by Haas Departure</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Brisbane Broncos were left reeling after their star prop forward confirmed his departure to join the Rabbitohs.</p> <p>The club had remained confident about retaining Haas throughout the off-season, making this development particularly stunning for the Red Hill faithful.</p> <p>Brisbane released a brief statement confirming the development, acknowledging that a signed contract had been lodged with the NRL.</p> <p>The club indicated they would make no further comment until the standard 10-day cooling-off period expires, though the deal appears all but certain to proceed.</p> <p>The timing couldn't be more dramatic, with Haas informing teammates of his decision just as the squad prepares for their World Club Challenge clash against Hull KR in England.</p> <p>Reports suggest the prop forward broke the news to his Brisbane teammates before the public announcement.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Bennett Factor Proves Decisive</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Wayne Bennett's influence appears to have been instrumental in securing Payne Haas for South Sydney.</p> <p>The veteran coach previously worked with Haas during his tenure at Brisbane, establishing a relationship that proved crucial in this recruitment coup.</p> <p>South Sydney's recruitment drive gained significant momentum through the involvement of current stars David Fifita and Latrell Mitchell, who played key roles in convincing Haas to make the switch.</p> <p>The Rabbitohs confirmed they have lodged a signed contract covering the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>R360 Delay Changes Landscape</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The delayed launch of the rebel R360 competition significantly altered the transfer landscape surrounding Haas.</p> <p>Initial speculation suggested the prop forward might be tempted by lucrative offers to switch codes, but R360's postponement by two years effectively removed that option.</p> <p>Brisbane had appeared well-positioned to retain their star following these developments, with reports earlier suggesting Haas had agreed to a one-year extension for 2027.</p> <p>Coach Michael Maguire had publicly expressed confidence about keeping the forward long-term, making this defection even more surprising.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Rabbitohs Land Premium Forward</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For South Sydney, securing Payne Haas represents one of the most significant player acquisitions in recent club history.</p> <p>Widely regarded as the game's premier prop forward, Haas brings elite-level experience and leadership to Bennett's forward pack.</p> <p>The Rabbitohs have adopted a cautious approach to commenting publicly, stating they will remain silent until the cooling-off period concludes.</p> <p>However, the recruitment represents a clear statement of intent from a club determined to return to premiership contention.</p> <p>This transfer leaves Brisbane with a substantial void in their forward pack while signalling an exciting new chapter for South Sydney's title aspirations.</p>