Payne Haas Calls Out Broncos’ Performance After Disappointing Loss
Brisbane Broncos forward Payne Haas has been vocal about the team’s lack of action following a narrow 30-28 defeat to the Dragons. The reigning premiers are now slipping down the ladder, and Haas has not held back in criticizing both himself and his teammates for failing to back up their words with results.
Haas made a strong return to the NRL after recovering from a knee injury that had kept him out of the Broncos’ recent games and also sidelined him from the NSW Blues’ State of Origin Game 1 victory. His performance was impressive, with 281 metres run, one linebreak, eight tackle breaks, and 33 tackles recorded during the match.
Despite Haas’ efforts, the Broncos were unable to secure a win, as Valentine Holmes and the Dragons delivered a stunning upset on home soil. This loss has placed the Broncos outside the Top 8, creating a challenging situation for the team moving forward.
Haas expressed frustration with the team’s performance, stating that they are all talk without any real action. “We’re all talk at the moment. We keep on saying we’re going to do all these important things on the field, but to be honest, we’re just BS’ing each other,” he said after the game.
This sentiment was echoed by Michael Maguire, who was visibly frustrated with the team’s display. Maguire made an unusual move during the game, leaving the coach’s box to join the sideline. Fans were surprised to see the coach barking orders from the bench, similar to what Craig Bellamy does when frustrated with the Melbourne Storm.
Ben Hunt revealed that Maguire was fuming after the performance, and his actions were a clear sign of the team’s struggles. The move highlighted the pressure the Broncos are under as they aim to secure a spot in the finals.
A Tough Run of Games Ahead
The Broncos are currently four points behind the Wests Tigers in 10th place, making their path to the finals a difficult one. Patrick Carrigan has also been ruled out for three to four weeks, adding to the team’s challenges.
Looking ahead, the Broncos face a tough schedule. They will play the Titans next week, followed by matches against South Sydney, the Roosters, Sharks, and Panthers. Later in the season, they will take on the Cowboys, Knights, Dolphins, and Warriors, with seven of their next nine matches against teams in the Top 8.
This run of games is similar to the one the Broncos faced last year before they went on a successful run to win the 2025 premiership. However, Maguire admitted that this season presents more challenges.
“If we’re relying on past history we might find ourselves in a little bit of bother,” he said. “Everyone can tell a good story of the past, but it’s what you’re doing right now. I can compare stories, but I’ve never seen two years the same. I’ve never seen a group of men do it in a way they’ve done it in the past.”
