Payne Haas has received some uplifting news as his father has been released from jail in the Philippines.
The decision came as a court hearing successfully prevented his extradition to Indonesia where he could have faced the death penalty.
Gregor Haas was arrested in May 2024 after he was allegedly involved in smuggling more than five kilograms of methamphetamine into Indonesia in 2023.
He had been in jail since his arrest, despite a judge ordering his release in February this year after ruling his indefinite detention violated his basic constitutional rights.
And it was the sort of good news that Payne needed in the midst of what has been a difficult season for the Brisbane Broncos.
The Broncos are on a five-game losing streak that has seen them plummet to 12th in the NRL table.
Gregor Haas has been released from a Filipino jail after he was arrested in 2024 for his alleged involvement in smuggling five kilograms of methamphetamine into Indonesia
Gregor had been detained since his arrest in 2024 despite a judge ordering his release earlier this year
It’s a big win for Payne Haas who has endured a difficult season due to injuries and a Brisbane Broncos five game slump
Haas himself had also been dealing with an injury and so along with his call-up to the NSW team, it is another win for the 26-year-old.
‘I’m just happy that he’s out of jail, to be honest, and out of those circumstances and living conditions, and obviously getting a bit of freedom at least,’ Haas said.
‘It’s a little win. Obviously, you want him back home, but it’s a little win. For him to get out of what he was in, and the circumstances, is very good for him and our family.
‘He’s in the Philippines now, but it’s better than nothing.’
Haas’ legal team was finally able to secure his release just before Payne’s Origin return.
‘Like I said before, getting out of those living conditions helps a lot,’ Haas said.
‘That’s a little win and it’s good for the family.’
Gregor has been released just in time to watch his son attempt to help New South Wales wrap up this year’s State of Origin series.
Payne sat out the Origin I win, but there had been little doubt that he would return for the second game.
The Broncos prop is regarded as one of the best in the league and has been a fixture of the Blues side when fit.
After watching the initial win with his family, Payne is looking forward to making an impact this time around.
‘Whatever Loz [Daley] thinks is best for the team, I’ll be happy with,’ he said.
‘I’m very privileged and blessed and I just want to do my job.’
Haas is looking forward to his time with the Blues but has admitted he feels a little bit of guilt at leaving the Broncos in their current slump.
‘Yeah, it is very difficult, to be honest,’ he said.
‘Obviously, you want to be in the trenches with the boys, and especially losing a few games like we are at the moment, it’s hard to leave the boys.
‘But I’m here to do a job for NSW, and I’ll be cheering the boys on this Thursday.’
