‘No pressure’: Shock early return beckons for Haas

Broncos superstar Payne Haas has thrust himself in line for a shock injury comeback after being seen training strongly for the first time ahead of the club’s do-or-die Battle of Brisbane.

Despite coach Kevin Walters’ comment on Friday night that his marquee prop would be unlikely to recover from a foot issue in time to take on the Dolphins, the State of Origin giant ran with vigour in a short stint during an opposed session on Wednesday, albeit with the red “no-contact” bib on.

He has been named on the extended bench, having not played in the side’s past two clashes, with the squad to be cut 24 hours before kick-off.

Payne Haas could make a shock early return when the Broncos take on the Dolphins on Saturday.Credit: NRL Photos

Given that the Broncos, like the Dolphins, need to win on Saturday to keep their finals ambitions alive, the 24-year-old’s return could ignite a fourth-straight win over their cross-town rivals.

“He’s been training really well,” Broncos lock Pat Carrigan said. “I’m not sure if he’ll play – obviously that was his first little five-minute involvement in some skills, so we’ll see how he goes.

“But he’s the ultimate professional.

Battle of Brisbane casualty ward

Broncos 

• Ezra Mam, syndesmosis (out for season) 
• Reece Walsh, hand fracture (set for round 27 return) 
• Payne Haas, Lisfranc (possible return round 26, expected round 27)
• Kobe Hetherington, concussion (return round 27)
• Jack Gosiewski, broken arm (return to be confirmed) 
• Jock Madden, hamstring (return to be confirmed)

Dolphins 

• Tom Gilbert, ACL (season) 
• Tom Flegler, shoulder (season) 
• Kodi Nikorima, concussion (round 27)
• Jesse Bromwich, concussion (round 27) 
• Tevita Pangai Junior, hamstring (return to be confirmed)
• Max Plath, calf (uncertain if he will be fit for round 26)
• Ray Stone, neck (uncertain if he will be fit for round 26)
• Jeremy Marshall-King, foot fractures (likely round 27, possible round 26)
• Euan Aitken, pectoral (season)

“It was obviously just a bit of a reintroduction for him. I’m not really across it, but I think that was just his first day of skills.

“It’s Payne Haas, so you guys know for yourself watching [what he can do] … but there’s no pressure on him, he’s had that sort of injury, and we’re just looking for him to recover and get it right.

“His foot hasn’t come off the pedal, he’s been leading the way with the rehab boys, and consistency is just what he brings.

“If he was to get out there, it’d be awesome, but not pressure on him.”

Pat Carrigan was at his typical tireless best for the Broncos against the Parramatta Eels last Friday.Credit: NRL Photos

Having already suffered a Lisfranc injury this year, Haas has managed only 13 games for the Broncos, with Carrigan shouldering more of the load in his absence.

The 26-year-old has run for more metres than ever in his career (174 a game), while averaging 38 tackles, all around his gruelling State of Origin series (162 metres and 45 tackles a game).

Those numbers go up in Haas’ absence – 200 running metres and 42 tackles per outing – but Carrigan insists his body is not feeling overwhelmed.

“I’m sweet. I’m the only one still doing full training – they’re all going missing – but I’m good,” he laughed.

“Obviously, I love playing with Payno, and we know what he does for this team, but I think, as a group, and collectively as forwards, we’ve had to take on a little bit extra.

“But it’s just part of it, finding a way and getting a result. I think guys like Corey Jensen, Xavier Willison and Marty’s [Taupau] form has been really good too.

“I’m not alone ... I’ll do whatever I need to do to get the result.”

Battle of Brisbane squads

Broncos

1. Tristan Sailor; 2. Selwyn Cobbo; 3. Kotoni Staggs; 4. Deine Mariner; 5. Jesse Arthars; 6. Josh Rogers; 7. Adam Reynolds; 8. Corey Jensen; 9. Billy Walters; 10. Xavier Willison; 11. Brendan Piakura; 12. Jordan Riki; 13. Pat Carrigan; 14. Blake Mozer; 15. Ben Te Kura; 16. Josiah Karapani; 17. Martin Taupau; 18. Jaiyden Hunt; 19 Fletcher Baker; 20. Corey Oates; 21. Cory Paix; 22. Payne Haas 

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow; 2. Jamayne Isaako; 3. Jake Averillo; 4. Herbie Farnworth. 5. Jack Bostock; 6. Sean O’Sullivan; 7. Isaiya Katoa; 8. Kenny Bromwich; 9. Max Plath; 10. Mark Nicholls; 11. Felise Kaufusi; 12. Connelly Lemuelu; 13. Ray Stone; 14. Mason Teague; 15. Oryn Keeley; 16. Tesi Niu; 17. Kurt Donoghoe; 18. Lachlan Hubner; 19. Tevita Pangai Junior; 20. Trai Fuller; 21. Anthony Milford; 22. Jeremy Marshall-King