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Reynolds grinned he would “try and twist his arm” to remain in Broncos colours before the end of those 10 days, but denied there was any rift between the enforcer and coach Michael Maguire behind the decision.
“It’s an easy and obvious one to speculate on, but we’re a tight group. We wouldn’t have reached the heights we did last year if the boys were off Madge,” Reynolds said.
“But it is what it is, obviously we’ve got to focus on getting over to England and getting the job done. I’m sure the boys will be into him to try and get him [Haas] to stay at the club – we love everything about him and what he’s done for this club, he’s a huge reason why we got success.
“I didn’t see it coming, I haven’t really sat down and spoken to Payne – obviously you respect everyone’s decisions, I don’t know the exact reasoning by I know he is fully committed to this year.”
The player market is light on representative-standard props Brisbane could target for next year – Penrith’s Lindsay Smith and Francis Molo from the Dolphins the biggest names following Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s declaration he would see out his Titans contract until the end of 2030.
Payne Haas celebrates victory with his family.Credit: Getty Images
By November 1, however, the Broncos would be able to negotiate with players who come off contract at the end of 2027 for the 2028 campaign – Corey Horsburgh, Moeaki Fotuaika, Mitchell Barnett and Stefano Utoikamanu among the high-profile props who will assess their futures.
Until then, boom Brisbane forwards Xavier Willison and Ben te Kura will be eager to prove they can fill Haas’ place, with Broncos lock Pat Carrigan adamant the duo would rise to the challenge that awaited them in 12 months.
While Te Kura has endured an injury-riddle introduction to the NRL, Willison is coming off a career-best campaign – averaging 111 running metres and 22.95 tackles a game from 21 appearances – and believes he is ready to graduate from his usual role off the bench and into the starting side as soon as this year.
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“It’s all about opportunity, one door closes and another one opens. There are some really good young kids who have had the opportunity to learn off guys like Payne, so it’s exciting,” Carrigan said, who shapes as a contender to succeed Reynolds as skipper.
“He’s got 12 months left … I know the decision is the best thing for him and his family, and as a mate, I’ll always be supportive.
“But the opportunity for those younger guys is something that doesn’t present itself every day, and I know they’ll want to grab it with both hands.”
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