NRL star Payne Haas’ father arrested on drugs charges, could face death penalty

In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, Australian national Gregor Johann Haas poses for a mugshot after his arrest. Photo / AP

The father of NRL star Payne Haas has been arrested in the Philippines and faces extradition to Indonesia, where he is accused of drug trafficking.

Gregor Johann Haas, 46, was arrested in Cebu City on Wednesday, according to local media reports.

Head of the Public Relations and Protocol Bureau of Indonesia’s National Narcotics Board, General Sulistyo Pudjo Hartono, said authorities had been tracking Haas since December last year after the discovery of 5kg of crystal methamphetamine.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman told AAP it was providing consular assistance to an Australian man arrested in the Philippines but was unable to make further comment due to privacy obligations.

Payne Haas of the Brisbane Broncos, pictured in 2022. Photo / Photosport

Under Indonesia’s strict drug law, Gregor Johann Haas could face the death penalty by firing squad.

Payne Haas’ club, the Brisbane Broncos, said it was aware of the matter.

“We will support Payne in whatever way he needs,” media officer Steele Tallon told AAP on Friday evening.

The 24-year-old is rated one of code’s elite players, winning Brisbane’s player of the year award five years running and starring during the side’s charge to the 2023 grand final.

He has represented NSW in State of Origin 11 times and played for Australia in four tests. His younger brother Klese is a rising star with cross-town rivals Gold Coast.

Police last month withdrew charges against another sibling, Zeda Haas, over the alleged supply of almost 2kg of methamphetamine in the NSW Hunter region.