Brisbane Broncos player Payne Haas is at the center of controversy for promoting a clothing brand linked to the Alameddine crime family. This has raised concerns among police about the influence of organized crime in the National Rugby League (NRL). Haas is the face of R4W Active, an activewear line associated with the Alameddine network's drug-running syndicate known as R4W, or "Ready 4 War."

The Alameddine crime family is notorious for its involvement in large-scale drug trafficking and violent crime, including public shootings. R4W Active is a new offshoot of Proper, a streetwear brand co-founded by Ali "Ay Huncho" Younes, a prominent member of the Alameddine family and a key figure in Sydney's gang conflicts.

Earlier this month, R4W Active launched a campaign featuring Haas with the tagline, "11th September — Ground Zero." This has intensified police concerns regarding the gang's influence in the NRL, especially as the Broncos prepare for their grand final against the Melbourne Storm this Sunday.

In addition to Haas, other players promoting R4W Active include Jason Saab and Haumole Olakau'atu from Manly, and Addin Fonua-Blake from Cronulla. Haas's teammate, Reece Walsh, has also publicly endorsed the brand as questions about its implications began to arise.

A senior officer from NSW Police, who requested anonymity, expressed concern that the players' promotion of these brands could expose fans to potential violence. "If a teenager is walking around in R4W clothing, a rival gang could attack you," the officer stated. "It's like the Comanchero [bikie gang] selling their gear commercially."

It is important to note that the police are not suggesting that the players are involved in organized crime. Court documents indicate that the Alameddine family operates a transnational criminal network in Australia and the Middle East, engaging in serious criminal activities, including drug importation and murder for hire. Police estimate that around 50,000 customers in Sydney have received drugs from the R4W gang, although they claim to have disrupted the syndicate through arrests in 2022.

The NRL has acknowledged the situation, stating that it is gathering all relevant information. The Brisbane Broncos have confirmed they are in communication with Haas regarding the matter. A spokesperson for Cronulla mentioned that the NRL Integrity Unit has been informed, while Manly stated it was unaware of any arrangements between its players and Proper but is investigating the endorsements.

Haas has been promoting Proper for over a year, often wearing the brand in interviews and on social media. The label features designs that include guns and slogans like "Never Cross the Family." Fonua-Blake and Olakau'atu have included the brand in their Instagram bios, while Saab promotes it alongside his sports training business. The situation continues to develop as authorities and the NRL address the implications of these endorsements.