Payne Haas incredible act to try and free his father from jail in the Philippines while preparing for NRL Grand Final

Broncos star Payne Haas has been juggling his on-field brilliance with a desperate off-field fight to free his father, Gregor Haas, from a Manila detention facility. 

Gregor is facing serious drug trafficking charges in the Philippines, which he strongly denies, as his health reportedly deteriorates inside the Camp Bagong immigration centre. 

While fighting for his father's release, Haas starred in the NRL Grand Final as Brisbane beat Melbourne 26-22 to claim their first title since 2006.. 

The Broncos prop ran for 117 metres, broke five tackles, and made 23 tackles in the victory. Despite the emotional strain and mounting legal costs, Haas continues to work behind the scenes to bring his father home. 

'I can't control what is alleged against my dad,' Payne told SMH.

'I grew up with my parents day-to-day, and I know who they are as people. 

'They've had their issues, but I can't control that. It's been a difficult time for my family and many others who have been affected.

'But my parents also did a lot for me. It's not all negative when it come to my parents. They've made me who I am today.'

Gregor Haas remains in Philippine custody amid ongoing legal wrangling over his status and possible extradition. 

He was arrested in Cebu in May 2024 after an Interpol red notice linked him to alleged attempts to smuggle more than five kilograms of methamphetamine into Indonesia. 

Haas claims to hold dual identity, insisting he is a Filipino national despite having Australian citizenship, a point his legal team is pressing in Philippine courts. 

In May 2025, the Court of Appeals blocked a lower court order that would have released him, citing failure to demonstrate 'good reasons' for execution pending appeal. 

Meanwhile, Indonesian authorities continue pushing for his handover to face drug charges there. 

Haas's lawyers say Interpol has dropped the red notice against him, which they argue should bolster his case for release. 

But the legal battle is far from over, with questions still unresolved about citizenship, jurisdiction, and whether he can be deported or extradited. 

At present, Haas is stuck in limbo - neither freed nor sent to Indonesia - and his situation remains closely watched by international and Australian agencies. 

Meanwhile Joan Taufua, Payne Haas' mother, has been committed to stand trial on three counts of manslaughter over a 2022 Gold Coast car crash that killed three people. 

Her case, which has faced delays over legal and psychiatric assessments, will next return to court in November 2025. 

She remains in custody on remand as she awaits her Supreme Court trial.