NRL 2023: Payne Haas wins fifth-straight Paul Morgan Medal for Broncos best player

Payne Haas is on track to become the greatest Bronco in history after winning another Paul Morgan Medal on Thursday night. He opens up on the award, plus full results.

Payne Haas is favourite to win a fifth straight Paul Morgan Medal. Picture: Getty Images

Payne Haas is on track to become the greatest player in Broncos history after winning the Paul Morgan Medal for a record fifth straight year.

At age 23, Haas joined Broncos legend Allan Langer as the only five-time winners of Brisbane’s top individual honour when he claimed the player of the year gong on Thursday night.

Apart from his debut NRL season in 2018, when he played three games at age 18, Haas has won the Paul Morgan Medal every year since in an incredible run of dominance.

The legendary ‘Alfie’ Langer won the award four straight years (1993-96) and in 1988.

Haas has now joined Langer as a five-time winner but eclipsed the halfback’s run of dominance with five consecutive medals.

“I’m just privileged to be able to get this award,” Haas said.

“These boys played all year and I wouldn’t be here without them.

“Most importantly I want to thank my family. It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster this year but they’ve stuck by me.

“We didn’t get the job done on Sunday but we’re still a young team and I’m sure we’ll go one better next year.”

Payne Haas and Leilani Mohenoa on Thursday night. Picture: David Clark

Haas polled 80 votes from coaches and players across the season to finish ahead of captain Adam Reynolds (64) and fullback Reece Walsh (51).

The tireless prop played 23 games this year, averaging 187 running metres (72 metres post contact) from 16 hit-ups per game as well as 29 tackles at 99 per cent efficiency.

Haas scooped the pool in front of nearly 1000 guests at the Brisbane Convention Centre, also winning the most consistent, best forward and players’ player awards.

“I feel like this award is the most special,” Haas said of the players’ player gong.

“We’ve got a close bond. It’s been like a brotherhood.”

NRL 2023: Payne Haas wins fifth-straight Paul Morgan Medal for Broncos best player

Having recently inked a three-year contract extension to remain at Red Hill, Haas has the opportunity to eclipse Langer in 2024 with a sixth gong and could finish his career as Brisbane’s most decorated player.

That would be a remarkable achievement given the rugby league greats that have played for the club like Langer, current coach Kevin Walters and Darren Lockyer.

Lockyer, Petero Civoniceva and Corey Parker won the Paul Morgan Medal three times.

But Haas has already made an incredible impact in his 104-game NRL career despite playing one of the most physically demanding positions on the field.

One constant throughout Haas’ dominance has been his desire to win an NRL premiership with the Broncos, who fell agonisingly short of glory in last Sunday’s grand final loss to Penrith.

Haas won a fifth straight Paul Morgan Medal. Picture: Getty Images

Despite the painful loss, a huge crowd assembled to celebrate Brisbane’s 2023 season and first grand final appearance since 2015.

Walsh was crowned best back in his return to the Broncos while Tristan Sailor was rookie of the year following an impressive first season at Red Hill.

Workaholic lock Mariah Denman won the Broncos’ NRLW player of the year award.

A Broncos “original”, Denman returned to the club this year after taking a break due to the birth of her child.

In a close count, Denman finished first on 25 points ahead of captain Ali Brigginshaw and prop Neta Nu’uausala (both on 22), while hooker Destiny Brill (20) and prop Brianna Clark (18) rounded out the top five.

Denman was a mainstay of the pack during 2023, averaging 123 running metres from 13 hit ups and 29 tackles per game across the season.

She also claimed the most consistent award and was a joint-winner of players’ player with blockbusting centre Mele Hufanga. Brigginshaw won best back and Nu’uausala was crowned best forward.