Payne Haas’ Injury Leaves a Big Gap for NSW
The recent injury to Payne Haas has created a significant challenge for the NSW coaching team, led by Laurie Daley, as they prepare for the State of Origin opener. The Broncos prop suffered a Grade 3 MCL sprain during Saturday night’s victory over the Wests Tigers, and scans have confirmed that he is likely to be sidelined for between 6-8 weeks. With the first game set to take place in Sydney in just five weeks, this injury all but rules Haas out of the opening match unless he makes an unexpected recovery.
Haas is known for his ability to push through injuries, having played through pain before. However, even in the best-case scenario, he would enter Game 1 without any NRL action for over a month, which might make Daley hesitant to take the risk.
Despite the setback, Daley has several strong candidates who could step in to fill the gap left by Haas. One of the most promising options is Jackson Ford, the Warriors’ workhorse, who is currently leading the Dally M Medal count after an outstanding start to the season. Ford has been in career-best form, averaging 39 tackles (at 93.8% efficiency) and 182 run metres per game. Although primarily a back-rower, Ford has been performing exceptionally well in the middle for his team and could offer a similar level of workrate and go-forward as Haas if selected for his Origin debut.
Another strong contender is Lindsay Smith, a two-time Panthers premiership winner who has started the season strongly with the high-flying Panthers. While he doesn’t get through the same number of minutes as Ford, Smith is a key part of the competition’s best defensive side and has experience at the representative level. He has already played two Tests for Australia and was part of the Kangaroos squad that secured an Ashes clean-sweep over England last year. Despite being included in Daley’s extended squad last year, Smith has yet to play an Origin game for NSW and is eager for a chance to make his debut in Game 1.
Other Contenders in the Mix
In addition to Ford and Smith, there are several other players in contention to replace Haas for the Blues. Mitch Barnett and Keaon Koloamatangi are among the other props under consideration. However, both have faced injury setbacks this season. Barnett broke a thumb in Round 4, just two games into his return from a long-term ACL injury. Despite this, he made a remarkable comeback in last week’s 28-20 win over the Titans, playing 44 minutes off the bench. Barnett has previously played two Origin games for the Blues and starred in the Game 1 victory last year before his ACL injury ruled him out of the rest of the series.
Koloamatangi, who made his Origin debut for the Blues in 2023, has been battling ongoing knee issues this season, which could affect his chances of being selected. Terrell May has also been in excellent form for the Tigers and was considered unlucky to miss out on Origin selection last year. Meanwhile, Blues incumbents Stefano Utoikamanu and Max King, who played in Games 2 and 3 of last year’s series, appear to have fallen down the pecking order due to their performance this season. Similarly, Addin Fonua-Blake, a Kiwi Test star, is in the frame for an Origin call-up following changes to the NRL’s eligibility rules.
