While Queenslanders rue that Payne Haas is a NSW blue, his little brother is Maroon to the core
While Queensland State of Origin rugby league supporters rue that Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas is a New South Wales star, we can reveal he has a little brother playing in the Langer Cup who is eligible for the mighty Maroons.
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Klese Haas, the brother of NRL powerhouse and a New South Wales State of Origin spearhead Payne Haas, is tipped to be one of the explosive talents of the elite schoolboy Langer Cup competition which starts on Wednesday.
Klese, a strapping 191cm tall 100kgs edge backrower from Keebra Park SHS, is not within cooee of old brother Payne’s knockout 120kg frame – but he still packs a punch.
Indeed Keebra Park SHS head of rugby league Glen Campbell has likened Klese’s explosive wide running to that of Penrith battering ram Viliame Kikau.
“He will improve out of sight,’’ Campbell predicted.
“A second rower, he is a lighter build than his brother but very mobile.
“He is getting used to playing this position (edge forward) because previously he played in the middle.
“He made a break in the pre-season and far out, he can move. He reminds me of Kikau of Penrith. He will be a handful.’’
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A year 12 student, Klese said while he admired Payne, he was different.
“I am different than Payne in build and speed and a lot stronger,’’ he laughed.
“While I do emulate him I also play to my strengths.’’
And Queenslanders will be pleased to know Klese differs from Payne on another front – he is eligible to play for the Maroons.
“I am eligible for Queensland and obviously rep football at that level is the pinnacle of the game so I would be happy to play,’’ Klese said.,
“To be honest I haven’t really given that much though as I am concentrating on the present.’’
In fact Klese said there was no room for egos within the Keebra Park SHS squad.
“The brutally honest environment at Keebra helps keep the boys grounded and lets them know where they need to work to improve,’’ he said.
“It’s pointless fluffing pillows as the coach calls it as that puts you in a false reality and stifles improvement.
“I suppose really it’s the development at Keebra Park and competitive environment that makes us all work as hard as we can.
“No one is given any favours and all jersey’s are up to be earnt.’’
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Unsigned by an NRL Cup entering the season but attracting interest, Klese said he drew inspiration from his siblings.
“My brother (Payne) has inspired me to play football as I have always watched him as I grew up as he is three years older than me,’’ Klese said.
“I wanted to be as good as him and I know how hard he works and how this has got him results.
“My older brother Chase also inspires me because he has faced many issues from a young age and is always positive and smiling and this inspires me to be the best I can.’’
The Courier-Mail and News affiliates will lives tream both the Langer Cup (south east Queensland) and Payne Cup (North Queensland) competitions starting next week.