Payne Haas Embraces Break as Opportunity for Growth
Payne Haas has described his six-week break from playing as a “blessing in disguise” as he prepares to return to action for the Brisbane Broncos. The prop forward is set to make his comeback against St George Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, following a grade-three medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. His return is expected to have a positive impact on both the Broncos and the New South Wales team.
When fit, Haas has consistently been a key player for the Blues since making his Origin debut in 2019. It is widely anticipated that NSW coach Laurie Daley will include him in the squad for game two of the series in Melbourne. The Blues faced challenges early in their recent match, where they were out-muscled up front in a 22-20 victory over the Maroons. Despite this, the addition of Haas is seen as a significant boost for the Broncos’ chances of climbing the ladder in the second half of the season.
The Broncos currently sit in 11th place, just two points outside the top eight. With Haas and fellow 2025 premiership-winning forward Brendan Piakura set to return against the Dragons, there is optimism about the team’s performance moving forward.
Haas expressed gratitude for the time away from the field, highlighting the opportunity to observe and reflect on areas for improvement.
“It’s been a blessing in disguise,” Haas said. “Being injured, I’ve just been sitting back observing and having a look at where we can improve as a team and as an individual and been looking at my own self and my own game. I can’t wait to show what I’ve been trying to work on. I’m 100 per cent. I’m ready to go.”
While Haas did not specify which aspects of his game he plans to elevate, he focused on the team’s needs. The Broncos struggled with discipline in their Magic Round loss to the Warriors, giving away the first nine penalties of the match. This is an area that requires attention.
“Discipline is the key and intensity,” Haas said. “I feel like against the Warriors we probably didn’t match their intensity as we should have, and obviously discipline is really hurting us with and without the ball. If we can fix those things this week it gives us a big shot at winning the game.”
Although Haas is too humble to confirm his inclusion in the Blues squad for Origin, he is fully fit and ready to contribute.
“When we get there we’ll cross that bridge,” he said. “To play for your state is always a blessing and it’s a huge honour but for now I’m just worried about Broncos and doing my job for the boys here. I’ll just stay present here, worry about my footy here.”
Haas acknowledged the team’s current struggles and emphasized his focus on helping the Broncos regain their form.
“I’m just glad the boys got the win, they stuck tough and they got the win so that’s all that matters.”
Haas watched the Blues’ dramatic comeback from his home in Brisbane. He admitted to feeling nervous until Kalyn Ponga was sent off in the final quarter of the match, after which he felt more confident in the outcome.
“The boys stuck tough and they got the win so that’s all that matters.”
