NRL 2025: Broncos star Payne Haas opens up on self-imposed alcohol ban, Michael Maguire and injury

Broncos enforcer Payne Haas is buying in to Michael Maguire’s ruthless regime at Red Hill, pledging to maintain his strict booze ban as looks to end Brisbane’s 19-year premiership drought.

Payne Haas has declared himself a certain starter for round one and will continue a strict booze ban as he looks to spearhead the Michael Maguire era by leading the Broncos to premiership glory.

On the comeback trail from foot surgery in September, Haas revealed he will be back to full running in a fortnight and is so determined to snap Brisbane’s 19-year title drought, he will shun alcohol this season after giving it up some time ago.

The hard-nosed Maguire has promised to preside over a ruthless regime at Red Hill and Haas is happily buying in, turning teetotaller in his quest to drive new standards of professionalism at the Broncos.

“I’m off it (alcohol),” Haas said.

“That’s helped me a lot with my recovery.

“I’ll put myself on a drinking ban, which I don’t want to talk too much about in public. I did used to drink, but it’s obvious we’re going to have a tough pre-season and I want to be ready for it.

Payne Haas is expecting to be fit for round one despite currently sporting a moon boot. Picture: Liam Kidston

“On Monday, the boys went through a flogging and that doesn’t worry me - it excites me.

“Last year was tough on everyone at the club, but I want to put it behind me and we have a great opportunity to do something special under ‘Madge’ (Maguire).”

Underlining Haas’ team-first attitude, Brisbane’s superstar prop made a surprise appearance on day one of the Broncos’ pre-season on Monday.

The NSW Origin enforcer wasn’t due back for another two weeks, but a hungry Haas reported for duty of his own volition, doing light drills before running water to help teammates stay hydrated in the scorching Brisbane heat.

Renowned as one of Brisbane’s most disciplined trainers, Haas means business. Some players dread a punishing pre-season. The 118kg enforcer is relishing being pressure-tested by Maguire’s methods, dismissing initial fears he would be sidelined until the New Year after Lisfranc surgery.

In a major boost for the Broncos, Haas says he will be on deck for Brisbane’s premiership opener in March.

“I’ll be fully fit for round one and I can’t wait to be in the hurt locker with the boys,” Haas said with a laugh.

“The surgery went really well.

“I’m not sure yet on my exact return (to full training), but I think I’m a couple of weeks away.

“To be honest, I’ll just be taking my time. I don’t want to reinjure myself now and go too hard, too early.

Haas returned to pre-season training early. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“The Broncos physios have been great with my rehab, they are slowly putting me back into running, and I’m being careful not to rush things.

“I want to make sure I’m right for this team and 100 per cent ready to go for the new season.”

Underlining Haas’ commitment to the cause, Brisbane’s No.1 prop made a shock return for the penultimate game against the Dolphins last season in a desperate bid to keep the Broncos’ season alive.

Haas was in excruciating pain with his foot. Incredibly, he aggravated the injury in the warm-up but kept the drama secret. He played through the pain barrier in Brisbane’s 40-6 drubbing, demonstrating the attitude to lead a Broncos revenge mission in 2025.

Haas is determined to snap Brisbane’s 19-year title drought and is buying into Michael Maguire’s new regime. Picture: Getty Images

“I remember stepping off my foot in the warm-up and I just felt it go again,” Haas recalls.

“I probably shouldn’t have played. If I had my time again, I would have pulled out, but I just love the Broncos so much and wanted us to play finals and didn’t want to let the guys down.

“I can’t wait to get back to full training. For me there’s nothing better than connecting with your teammates in pre-season and going through the blood, sweat and tears.

“Pre-season is where the success starts and when you have success, it makes all the hard work worth it.

“I love being in the grind with my teammates and trying to achieve a goal together.”