“It was not a surprise,but it was very heartening to hear the way the boys[Broncos] have gotten around Payne Haas,the team has got around Payne Haas,” Chalmers said.

“It is no secret he[Payne] has had his fair share of challenges in his life,” he said.

“I am supremely confident that I speak on behalf of the whole,broader Broncos family when I say we are with you,big fella. We appreciate you and our hearts go out to you.

“This must be an incredibly difficult time and I think like a lot of people we would wrap our arms around you.”

There is no suggestion anyone else in the family is involved in the allegations against Gregor Haas.