Payne Haas Quits Broncos for Souths

In a massive edition of Kenty Prime Time, Paul Kent, Warren Livingstone, and Paul Crawley dissect the bombshell news that has rocked the NRL to its core: Payne Haas is leaving the Brisbane Broncos to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs. From the secret Friday meeting to the "blindsided" Broncos hierarchy, here are the best moments and insights from the panel.

'Gold Nugget' in Souths' Lap

The biggest revelation comes from Paul Kent's news that it was in fact Payne Haas' management that reached out to South Sydney, contrary to any thoughts that a high-stakes bidding war may have played out between the two clubs. Kent revealed the incredible mechanics behind the departure, saying that the premiership-winning prop's management told the Rabbitohs they "only had to match the Broncos offer" to secure his services.

The deal itself moved at lightning speed; following a secret meeting on Friday, the contract was signed by Sunday. Kent described the recruitment as a "gold nugget falling in your lap," as Souths were remarkably able to fit the world's best prop under their 2028 salary cap without the expected financial gymnastics.

Why Leave the Premiers?

The panel grappled with why Haas would exit the reigning premiers for the exact same money he was offered to stay. This has sparked intense speculation regarding the environment at Red Hill. Crawley said that the Broncos hierarchy was "totally blindsided," especially since coach Michael Maguire had recently expressed public confidence in a contract extension.

The theory likely to dominate discussion is a "tough" training culture under Maguire. While the intensity produced a 2025 Premiership, the panel suggested the physical toll of his notoriously grueling sessions might have influenced Haas's desire for a fresh start. Ultimately, they agreed that the "Wayne Factor" — the lure of reuniting with Wayne Bennett — combined with persistent recruiting calls from Latrell Mitchell and David Fifita, proved to be the deciding factors.

South Sydney's New "Line in the Sand"

For the Rabbitohs, Haas is more than just a marquee signing; he is a catalyst for the club's current stars to finally deliver. Kent argued that by convincing Haas to join, Latrell Mitchell and David Fifita have effectively signed a "contract" with themselves to "pull their fingers out" and play well consistently.

The panel also touched on a potential tactical shift for Latrell Mitchell under Bennett's guidance. Kent remained firm in his assessment that while Mitchell is "the best centre in the world," he is "not the best fullback," hinting at a possible position change. This cultural shift is bolstered by the "Brandon Smith Factor," with reports that Smith has rededicated himself and cleaned up his off-field lifestyle, helping Souths build a pack that could define the NRL for the next three years.

Can the Broncos Survive the Fallout?

Brisbane now faces a massive internal test: how to navigate 2026 knowing their marquee man is leaving. Kent warned that unless the Broncos handle the messaging "quickly and definitively," the story will "keep bleeding all year" and potentially derail their season.

The panel identified Pat Carrigan as the player who now carries the leader's burden. As the other half of Brisbane's elite "one-two punch," Carrigan's ability to manage the playing group's energy will determine if the club's premiership window remains open or if the "emotional fallout" of Haas's departure will tear the squad apart.

Biggest Signing in NRL History?

The panel debated whether this is the biggest signing in NRL history, comparing it to the legendary moves of Ron Coote, Bobby Fulton, and Cooper Cronk. Crawley argued that Haas to Souths is "bigger than Cherry-Evans" and "bigger than Inglis," primarily because it was achieved in an era of total information while remaining a complete secret until the ink was dry.

The move further cements the legacy of 76-year-old Wayne Bennett, who continues to "defy gravity" with his recruitment prowess — with Kenty joking that Wayne likely celebrated the historic heist with "two big Dairy Milk chocolate bars" instead of a victory cigar.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Season Preview

There was significant optimism for the Rabbitohs' 2026 season, with the club appearing to turn a corner under Wayne Bennett. Unlike last year, when they were plagued by injuries and forced to use players outside their top 30, key stars like Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, and Campbell Graham are returning fit. There is a strong belief that Bennett will finally convince Mitchell to move from fullback back to centre — a position where the panel believes he is the best in the world — allowing young talent Jye Gray to take over at the back.

Key additions like David Fifita and Adam Elliott are expected to provide the edge and size the team lacked last year. Brandon Smith has reportedly rededicated himself, moving away from a party lifestyle to focus on being a world-class hooker under Bennett's guidance. The predicted starting backline features Jye Gray at fullback, Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham on the wings, Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton in the centres, and Cody Walker paired with Bud Sullivan in the halves.

Brisbane Broncos Season Preview

The outlook for the Broncos was more skeptical, with the hosts questioning whether they can maintain their momentum following the Haas news. The central question: will his departure galvanise the team to win one last title together, or tear them apart as a distraction? Michael Maguire's tough training methods led to a premiership last year, but whispers from training suggest the intensity is even higher in 2026, which may be taxing on the players.

With Adam Reynolds announcing this will be his final year, there is added pressure on the halves to perform. There is also an ongoing debate over who starts at hooker; while Ben Hunt is a marquee name, Billy Walters was highly praised for the energy and stability he brought last season. Ultimately, the panel noted that the Broncos' dream of forming a long-term dynasty is under serious threat now that their marquee forward has chosen to leave.