Former Wallaby Morgan Turinui believes Payne Haas would quickly become one of rugby’s most “devastating” weapons should the Broncos gun make the “brave” decision to switch codes.
Haas became the latest high profile NRL star to be linked to a potential bombshell move when Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed some mutual interest.
The 23-year-old prop played junior rugby before committing fully to league and reportedly held previous talks with RA in 2021.
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Haas is off contract with the Broncos at the end of 2024 and would command a multi-million dollar, long-term deal in either code.
“He’s an absolute gun, he’s in career best form, he looks mature and settled,” Turinui told Wide World of Sports.
“Obviously there’s a chance it’s just part of normal negotiation of a big contract opportunity, for the Broncos to take him to an elite level financially. But it’s great to be in the conversation for a talent as good as that.
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“It’d be a harder conversion coming back to rugby union that he played as a kid.
“The earlier you come back the better and the switch for outside backs is the easiest.”
Brad Thorn and Sonny Bill Williams are the most successful NRL forwards to switch codes, with Thorn taking some time to develop into a world class rugby lock and Williams initially playing on the wing before finding a home in midfield.
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“And the further in you get, the harder it becomes,” Turinui said.
“So 12 would be easier (than No. 8) but probably not perfectly suited to him. He’d be devastating as a No.8, with the challenge of obviously re-learning some of those technical aspects of lineout and maul, defence and attack.
“All those bits and pieces technically but he’s an unbelievable talent. It’s the top end of the tree in rugby league. It’d be a hugely brave decision to come across.
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“He’s in the perfect spot in rugby league, successful, playing great for the Broncs who are going well. But it’s great that a player of that talent is considering coming across. He would quickly become one of the most devastating ball runners in the game. It’s just all the other things that go with it.”
RA has already landed Roosters ace Joseph Suaalii on a mega-deal while league-loving Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has repeatedly name dropped Rabbitohs standout Cameron Murray as his dream target.
Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the interest from top NRL talent was positive.
“As long as Payne is serious about the option then you’d definitely talk to him. If it’s his manager looking to up the ante in league, well you’d soon find that out pretty quick,” Horan told WWOS.
“But with a little bit of background in union, it’s worth exploring.
“He might be more of a No.6 than a No.8 but the fitness side of it would be a different challenge for him. He’s certainly an athlete and you’d certainly have a couple of conversations with him and his manager about how serious they are.
“He’s pretty well paid where he is but you wouldn’t want to break the bank for a forward that is untested in the game. You’d have to sign a three or four year deal with him, he might be a chance to play Lions (in 2025).
“First year learning the game in Super Rugby. It’s worth a couple of conversations, if he’s serious about wearing a gold jersey.
“As long as he realises it’s a lot harder for a forward than it is for a back.”
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