Fresh twist in deadly crash charges for NRL star’s mum Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua

The mother of NRL players Payne and Klese Haas has made a major change to her legal team since being charged over a fiery triple-fatal Gold Coast crash.

The mother of NRL players Payne and Klese Haas has hired her third lawyer since being charged over a crash that killed three people in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Uiatu “Joan” Taufua, 46, is now being represented by defence lawyer Nick Hart of Hart Law Group.

The new appointment was noted during a brief mention of the matter in the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua, mother of Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas.

Three family members were killed when Taufua’s vehicle allegedly veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit their oncoming car in a fiery crash at Bonogin on December 30.

Susan Zimmer, 70, her partner Chris Fawcett, 79, and Ms Zimmer’s daughter Steffanie, 35, died at the scene.

Taufua was the sole survivor.

Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua, 46, being transported to the Southport Watchhouse from Gold Coast University Hospital earlier this year. Picture: 9 News.

The 46-year-old was subsequently charged with three counts of manslaughter and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, evading police and driving without a licence.

On March 9, 2023 she was also charged with drink driving.

Defence lawyer Nick Hart of Hart Law Group. Pictured: LinkedIn

Taufua was previously represented in court by defence lawyers Leigh Johnson and Sophie Dagg.

On Thursday, her new lawyer Mr Hart told Magistrate Louisa Pink he was waiting to receive outstanding documents from the prosecution.

These included a forensic crash investigation report and two statements from the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Magistrate Pink adjourned the matter until June 22 to allow time for the outstanding documents to be supplied.

Taufua was not required to appear in court and remains behind bars.

Originally published as Fresh twist in deadly crash charges for NRL star’s mum Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua