Payne Haas Breaks Silence: Heartache, Family Tragedy, and the Burning Drive for NRL Glory
Brisbane Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas has opened up in a deeply emotional interview, revealing the personal tragedies that have shaped his journey to becoming one of the NRL’s most dominant players.
At just 25, Haas has faced extraordinary adversity off the field. In a raw conversation with 100% Footy, he spoke candidly about the loss of his older brother Chace in 2020 — a tragedy that struck during the COVID pandemic. Chace, who had lived with a severe disability after a childhood car accident, passed away after falling ill unexpectedly.
“It was tough — Chace was everything to me,” Haas said. “I thought he’d be okay, but then Dad called to say he had about 24 hours. It broke me. I still remember that room, seeing my mum and dad cry. But even then, Chace had a smile on his face.”
Haas admitted the years that followed were some of the hardest of his life, yet he continues to carry his brother’s memory with him every day. “He did so much for me, even if he didn’t realise it,” he reflected.
The challenges didn’t end there. In 2022, Haas’ mother was charged with manslaughter following a fatal car accident, and in 2023, his father was arrested in the Philippines on drug trafficking charges.
Despite the chaos, Haas remains grounded, focused on being a role model for his younger siblings and achieving the ultimate goal in rugby league — an NRL premiership ring. “I’ve done a lot individually and in rep teams,” he said. “But I want that ring. We got close in 2023, and I’m hungry to go back. When we do, I believe we’ll win.”
