The South Sydney Rabbitohs are set to make a seismic shift in their roster for 2027 with the acquisition of arguably the game’s premier front-rower, Payne Haas. However, this significant recruitment move comes with a substantial cost, potentially impacting the futures of other key players currently at the club. Haas, who will transition from the Brisbane Broncos at the conclusion of the current season on a lucrative seven-figure contract, has pushed the Rabbitohs’ salary cap to its absolute limit.
This financial squeeze is far from unexpected. The Rabbitohs were already navigating choppy waters in their attempts to secure an extended contract for their talented forward, Keon Koloamatangi. With a significant portion of their available funds now earmarked for Haas’s blockbuster deal, the club has had to reallocate resources. This includes an increased offer to Koloamatangi, a move necessitated after he attracted significant attention and was reportedly “attacked” in the market following his initial signing with the Dragons.
The Rabbitohs are already committed to substantial, high-value contracts for several other prominent members of their squad. Leading this cohort are their star fullback Latrell Mitchell and their inspirational captain, Cameron Murray. These existing financial commitments, combined with the immense investment in Haas, have created a precarious salary cap situation.
Contract Negotiations on Hold for Rising Star
The ramifications of this financial tightening are already being felt, with reports suggesting that contract negotiations with the rapidly emerging talent, Jamie Humphreys, have been put on indefinite hold. News Corp outlets have indicated that the Rabbitohs were on the verge of finalising a deal with Humphreys before the monumental acquisition of Haas. However, these discussions have now been paused as the Maroubra-based club meticulously assesses its salary cap constraints. This pause also leaves Humphreys in a position where he must consider precisely what financial terms he would accept to remain at the club.
Humphreys, who has surprisingly claimed the number seven jersey at the Rabbitohs ahead of incumbent Lewis Dodd for the start of the 2025 season, has since solidified his position as the club’s first-choice halfback on a full-time basis throughout the current season. With his contract expiring at the end of the year, Humphreys would undoubtedly be a highly sought-after player on the open market, attracting interest from numerous NRL clubs.
Humphreys’ Journey and Potential Suitors
Humphreys’ path to consistent NRL action has been a compelling one. He initially joined the Manly Sea Eagles, where his progression to the first-grade team was significantly hampered. His performances throughout 2025 have, however, made the Northern Beaches club reflect on their player development and retention strategies. Humphreys will be eager to continue his impressive form in 2026, and he is set to return from injury this weekend, ready to make an immediate impact.
Among the clubs reportedly showing keen interest in Humphreys are the newly formed Perth Bears. While the Bears have secured Tyran Wishart and Toby Sexton as their likely first-choice halves pairing for their inaugural campaign, they are still in need of a specialist hooker. This opens a potential avenue for Humphreys, particularly if he decides to explore opportunities outside of Sydney.
The 24-year-old playmaker made his NRL debut for Manly, featuring in a solitary game for the club in 2024. He then went on to make a significant impression for the Rabbitohs in 2025, adding 18 games to his career tally and establishing himself as a vital cog in their attacking structure. His emergence as a consistent NRL performer, coupled with his current contract status, makes him a player of considerable interest for clubs looking to bolster their halves or hooker positions. The Rabbitohs’ challenge now lies in balancing their ambitious recruitment with the retention of their existing talent, a delicate juggling act that will define their future success.
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