Blues prop Payne Haas yet to train with team, but confident he will be fit for Origin I

Payne Haas failed to train with the rest of the NSW squad but Blues officials are adamant the star prop is tracking to play in Wednesday’s Origin opener. LATEST BLUES NEWS

Payne Haas failed to train with the rest of the NSW squad but Blues officials are adamant the star prop is tracking to play in Wednesday’s Origin.

Haas trained by himself prior to the rest of the squad doing an opposed session at Penrith’s high performance academy after rained forced the NSW side to move from their Blue Mountains base.

While Haas is still limited in the build-up to Origin I in Brisbane, the Blues are confident he will take his place.

Haas was able to run about 70 per cent on Saturday morning with Stefano Utoikamanu training in his place.

Front-row partner Mitch Barnett said Haas would be a massive inclusion as he battles a quadriceps injury.

Payne Haas still hasn’t trained with the Blues team. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“If he is not the best front-rower in the game he is in the top two or three,” Barnett said.

“Just having him out there – his presence – even if he is 100 per cent fit or not it will give blokes a lift in that locker room. I’m looking forward to running out alongside him again.”

Haas’ fitness is not the only thing at the top of Barnett’s mind after his family were severely impacted by the floods which have gripped NSW.

Barnett was born in Taree, but grew up in Wingham.

His dad Paul has lost countless cattle while mum Jodie has been working as general manager of Manning Base Hospital.

“My old man had some damage to the farm; we don’t know how bad yet because he’s still trapped,” Barnett said.

“My mum is a GM at the Manning Base Hospital, and she’s been working overtime with my sisters and the rest of the nurses to help the community.

“A lot of people have medical issues who have been stuck in the floods and been getting flown in.

“It’s better now because the water levels have dropped. But seeing some of the photos, it’s extremely sad. It was scary there for a bit. My family are safe, which is good news. But hearing some of the stories, how people have lost their animals through drowning, you don’t think about it until you’re impacted by it.

“People go through hard times, they all get around each other, and that’s the good thing about Australia … they’ll all get around each other, and one thing I will be proud of is seeing them rally together.”

Originally published as Blues prop Payne Haas yet to train with team, but confident he will be fit for Origin I