NRL 2024: Payne Haas joins growing list of Brisbane Broncos players battling pre-season injuries
Payne Haas has become the latest Brisbane player to join a growing casualty list of Broncos during a gruelling pre-season. See the club’s pre-season casualty ward.
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Payne Haas has joined a growing list of busted Broncos as a gruelling pre-season leaves Brisbane’s NRL stars treading a premiership fine line.
Haas was on restricted training at Red Hill on Tuesday after reporting a hamstring concern to Broncos medical staff.
The problem is not considered serious, but the NSW Origin and Kangaroos prop trained away from the main squad during an intense session which left some of the Broncos feeling a little worse for wear.
The Broncos slugged it out for two hours in stifling humidity and intermittent rain, continuing their tough pre-season on the back of last year’s shattering grand final loss to Penrith.
Given they featured in the last game of the NRL season before many featured in Test matches, and will head to the United States next month, coach Kevin Walters has had to condense Brisbane’s pre-season preparations.
That has resulted in high-octane opposed sessions since the New Year, which come with risks.
Winger Jesse Arthars sprained his ankle last week while Roosters recruit Fletcher Baker underwent groin surgery over Christmas.
Backrower Jordan Riki is on minimal contact during his return from shoulder surgery and now Haas has eased up to ensure he is ready for the start of the premiership season.
Broncos prop Corey Jensen said the supremely fit Haas could afford to miss some training time.
“I honestly don’t know (what’s wrong with him). I think he’s got a little niggle to his leg,” he said.
“He can kind of do what he wants when he’s training. If he’s a bit sore he can go and do his own thing.
“Everyone at times was finding it tough. It’s getting back up to speed with playing 13-on-13 and the grind of rugby league.”
The Broncos have been mixing aerobic conditioning with physical opposed sessions to prepare for their premiership redemption quest.
The NRL Pre-season Challenge kicks off in just over a month before the Broncos jet out for Los Angeles on February 22 to prepare for their March 3 round 1 clash with the Roosters in Las Vegas.
The exit of grand final players Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Tom Flegler (Dolphins), Kurt Capewell (Warriors) and Keenan Palasia (Titans) has opened up spots in Brisbane’s best 17 and Jensen said the Broncos were training hard.
“We’ve lost a fair chunk of the forward pack to play the grand final,” he said.
“There’s a lot of young guys coming through and Marty (Taupau) and myself add a bit more experience. We’re all gunning for positions.
“Having that competition is really helpful for the club and pushes each other. They’re pushing me every day and I’m trying to do the same for them. Whoever gets the spot will do a good job.
“It’s one of those things where everyone is pushing to be on Vegas, but you also want to train hard and push for a spot too.
“Everyone is ripping in but I’m sure the best side will be ready to go in round one.”
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