Brisbane Broncos expect opposition to target Payne Haas
The Broncos fear front-row young gun Payne Haas could be physically targeted this season as big-name NRL rivals look to subject the teenage monster to a brutal welcome to first grade.
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The Broncos fear front-row young gun Payne Haas could be physically targeted this season as big-name NRL rivals look to subject the teenage monster to a brutal welcome to first grade.
Haas — Brisbane’s biggest player at 120kg — will make his much-vaunted comeback from a shoulder reconstruction in Saturday night’s opening pre-season trial against Intrust Super Cup feeder-club Souths Logan at Warwick.
Just turned 19, Haas was blooded by Wayne Bennett last season, but his NRL campaign lasted just three games before he succumbed to ankle and shoulder injuries.
In just his second outing, Haas was singled out by Canterbury enforcer David Klemmer before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury taking on Manly hulks Addin Fonua-Blake and Martin Taupau the following week.
Now Haas is fully fit after months of rehabilitation work on his shoulder and the Broncos are sweating on the 194cm bookend having a drama-free hitout against the Magpies Saturday.
Brisbane assistant coach Kurt Richards will take charge of the Baby Broncos in Warwick and admits Haas will probably face some front-row fireworks this season, but has backed him to handle the challenge.
“I suppose that is the fear (Haas being targeted by opponents),” Richards said.
“When you are a young fella coming in with all the wraps, the older players want to come in and show you what it’s all about to play first grade.
“They came at him last year with those sorts of things … (but) I think this year Payne will take a step forward and we will see some good things from him.”
Haas has trained strongly in pre-season and has already fashioned a reputation as one of the NRL’s fittest forwards, regularly keeping up with Brisbane’s smaller men in 1.2km time trials over summer.
The Keebra Park sensation is expected to be named on the bench for Brisbane’s round-one clash against Melbourne next month and Richards says he will look to Haas to lead from the front Saturday night.
“He is pretty excited,” he said.
“He got a taste of NRL last year and he had big wraps on him but he didn’t really get an opportunity to show what he can do (due to injury).
“That all starts (Saturday). Payne is one of those guys who has played NRL and he is here to lead the young halves around the park.
“He has a simple job, so he is looking forward to getting out and showing what he can do.”
While Haas will be the main attraction in Warwick, the Broncos will also roadtest rookie halves Troy Dargan and Tom Reardon, the latter rated a future NRL superstar.
“Physically Tom has a lot of work to do, but what he has between the ears … he’s pretty special,” Richards said.
“It is only a trial game but there’s a responsibility that comes with the Broncos jumper.
“This is a great opportunity for guys to put their hand up and say pick me for round one.”
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