The Broncos have confirmed they won’t be entertaining a contract release for Payne Haas.

It follows several reports he asked to be released immediately after a negotiation breakdown.

In a statement, the club says it remains in ongoing discussions with Payne’s management, including about an extension to his current contract.

League legend Johnathan Thurston says he understands they are seeking pay rises over the coming years to get him to $1 million.

He says he is all for players earning what they are worth, but in this scenario it was hard to fathom.

“He’s already one of the highest paid forwards in the game, now he is asking for more, I just can’t fathom a front rower on that type of money,” he told Peter Psaltis on Wide World of Sports.

He says he is “one hell of a player” but a $1 million dollar player has to impact on the result of the game.

“They are the ones who should be winning you the game with that type of money.”

Press PLAY below to hear more of this thoughts

Nine News reporter Danny Weidler says contract negotiations between Haas and the Broncos broke down on Wednesday night.

Statement from @brisbanebroncos on #PayneHaas situation:
“Payne Haas is contracted to the Brisbane Broncos until the end of the 2024 NRL Season. The Club will not be entertaining a release.” Haas WILL PLAY tomorrow night | @9NewsQueensland @wwos @NRLonNine

— Michael Atkinson (@kinson88) May 26, 2022

Wide World of Sports host Peter Psaltis earlier told Sofie Formica there’s been no confirmation of the reports from Haas’ management.

“Obviously they think Payne Haas is worth a lot more than the $750,000 a season that he’s on at the moment at the Broncos and they’re going to try and get as much as they can out of him.

“I don’t think this will sit well with many rugby league fans across the board, though.”

Haas is contracted with the club until 2024.

Weidler told Sofie he doesn’t believe the Broncos will budge.

“I guess it’s going to be a negotiation from here,” he said. “Where it goes, who knows?”

Press PLAY below to hear the latest 

Image: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images