What’s The Buzz: Ramadan restrictions an extra burden for Payne Haas

Brisbane enforcer Payne Haas has had more to deal with than the NRL integrity unit in the past week in the fallout to the Albert Kelly scuffle in a hotel foyer.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 08: Payne Haas of the Broncos passes the ball during the round five NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium, on April 08, 2022, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Payne Haas has had more to deal with than the NRL integrity unit in the past week in the fallout to the Albert Kelly scuffle in a hotel foyer.

As a practising Muslim, the Broncos and NSW Blues front-rower has been observing Ramadan since last weekend’s match against the New Zealand Warriors and does not eat or drink in daylight hours.

It can be difficult for a professional athlete in any sport, let alone rugby league with the physical demands and the body contact each day at training.

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Payne Haas had a big game for the Broncos against the Sydney Roosters playing 70 minutes and running 205 metres. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Haas trained every session with the Broncos last week in the Brisbane heat with no fluids.

Despite his off-field dramas, Broncos general manager Ben Ikin can’t speak highly enough of the 22-year-old’s professionalism and commitment to the club.

“Payne consulted our head of high performance prior to Ramadan to understand the load in the schedule and to make sure he can contribute to each session the way he wants to,” Ikin said.

“He has driven it all himself and proactively managed it. In terms of work ethic, the commitment to winning and being at your best, he’s as good as I’ve seen in rugby league.”

Payne Haas, pictured with Alfie Langer, has had to train through the day time heat without fluids. Picture: Tara Croser.

Haas had a light meal and fluids before the Friday night’s game against the Roosters at Suncorp in which he was the standout forward with 172 metres.

Haas can be thankful the Broncos next three are also on Thursday and Friday nights and not in the daylight timeslots.

They have the Panthers, Bulldogs and Sharks in 7.50pm kick-offs before Ramadan ends at the end of the month.

The NRL integrity unit is expected to hand down Haas’ punishment for his latest off-field misdemeanour on Monday.

Originally published as What’s The Buzz: Ramadan restrictions an extra burden for Payne Haas