Payne Haas confirms he has changed his name to honour his Islamic faith
Brisbane Broncos and future South Sydney Rabbitohs star Payne Haas has confirmed he is now using a new name as part of an expression of his Islamic faith, in a move that has drawn widespread attention across the rugby league world. The NRL prop, one of the game’s most formidable forwards, has updated his public identity to include a Muslim name — a gesture he says reflects his personal journey with faith and spirituality.
The 26‑year‑old forward — who remains under contract with the Broncos through the 2026 season before commencing a three‑year deal with the Rabbitohs in 2027 — has started to use the name Hakeem Haas on his social media profiles and in other public appearances. While reports indicate this is not yet his legal name, it is intended to be used as part of his religious and cultural identity within Muslim communities and ceremonies.
Haas, who first embraced Islam in 2019, has credited the faith with providing structure and resilience during periods of personal challenge. Sources close to Haas say the decision to adopt a Muslim name is deeply rooted in his desire to publicly affirm his spiritual convictions — similar to high‑profile figures in sport who have historically changed their names in connection with religious conversion.
The Broncos star has openly discussed how conversion to Islam helped him address off‑field issues earlier in his career, including past incidents that led to disciplinary fines and public scrutiny. Turning to faith offered Haas a sense of purpose and discipline, he has said previously, and he has leaned on mentors — including former teammate and devout Muslim Sonny Bill Williams — during that transformation.
“I’ve found real peace in my faith,” Haas said in comments shared by team sources. “This is a part of who I am now, and I want my public identity to reflect that.” While he will continue to be widely known by the surname Haas on the field, adopting “Hakeem” is seen as a symbol of his commitment to the Muslim community and to living in accordance with Islamic principles.
The name Hakeem — of Arabic origin — carries meanings associated with wisdom, knowledge, and judgment, attributes that Haas has said he respects and aspires to embody both on and off the field. Among Muslims, taking on a name from Arabic tradition is often a personal choice to reflect spiritual values, though not a requirement of the religion.
Haas’s announcement arrives amid one of the most turbulent periods of his professional career, with the pending switch to South Sydney dominating headlines. His manager has also sought to quash speculation about any second thoughts over the move, affirming that his future lies with the Rabbitohs and that the name change will be part of a new chapter in his life.
For the rugby league community, the development has sparked broad discussion about identity, faith, and cultural expression among elite athletes. As Haas continues to perform at the highest level, his choice underscores the increasingly diverse backgrounds and personal stories present in Australia’s most popular winter sport.
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