State of Origin: Payne Haas committed to NSW Blues despite family dramas, addresses Spencer Leniu relationship
Amid the furore involving his father overseas, Payne Haas has reaffirmed his commitment to the Blues, while also addressing his relationship with Spencer Leniu following the Las Vegas hotel drama.
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NSW prop Payne Haas insists he never contemplated taking a break from the Blues as his pursuit of the State of Origin shield becomes his salvation from the personal turmoil of having his father Gregor in prison in the Philippines on drug charges.
Gregor Haas was arrested in the Philippines two weeks ago and is facing extradition to Indonesia to face drug trafficking charges. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or execution by firing squad.
The news of his arrest broke only hours before Payne was due to take the field against Manly on the opening night of Magic Round and Haas has remarkably been able to maintain his high standards despite the drama within his personal life.
While there was never any question over his selection for the Blues, there were questions over whether he would make himself available for Origin given the furore involving his father.
“I want to be here,” Haas said
“This is what you want to do and why you play rugby league growing up, you want to play State of Origin.
“It never crossed my mind not playing. I’m just privileged and blessed that I get to do that now. I have a good support network around me and a lot of people I can lean on when I am having a rough day and they make it better for me.
“I know there are lots of people who go through things worse and I have been through most things in my life. When I play footy I enjoy it and it is my little escape from reality.”
Asked about his capacity to continue playing rugby league at such a high level given the maelstrom going on around him, Haas – who has a young daughter and has taken custody of his younger brothers Hans and Geejay – said: “Obviously the news broke when I just jumped on the bus to come to Suncorp.
“I knew I had a job to do for the boys and we needed the win – we got touched up by the (Sydney) Roosters the week before.
“Obviously it is my pride and I want to play a good game for the boys. Obviously I love playing for the Broncos and I love all the boys there.
“They make it pretty easy for me to come in and play footy and not worry about that stuff. I have good support all the time – I have my two little brothers at home with me and my daughter.
“I am just looking after them. It is a bit of a tricky one. Everyone knows what has happened. Like I said, I am just trying to look after my siblings and my family I have in Australia and make sure they are alright.
“What I am going through, they are probably going through worse. Just trying to make sure they are alright and playing footy.
“Obviously our family hasn’t had a good run lately. As long as I’m being a good role model for them, I know they’ll be all right.”
It’s not the first time Haas has entered an Origin series with drama enveloping his family. Last year, he spoke about the emotional call he received from his imprisoned mother Uiatu in the lead-up to the opening game of the series.
“Obviously I grew up in not the best circumstances but I always use sport or anything as a little escape from everything,” he said.
“I’m sort of used to it now and ..... I don’t try to bring my outside personal life into footy. It’s good for me.”
Haas will be a key figure for the Blues at Accor Stadium next week as part of a front row rotation that also includes Sydney Roosters firebrand Spencer Leniu.
The pair were on opposite sides of the field on a dramatic night in Las Vegas to open the season, after which Leniu served a lengthy suspension when he was found to have racially vilified Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam.
Leniu also clashed with Broncos players in the hotel after the game but Haas said there was no bad blood.
“I knew Spencer before that,” Haas said.
“I’m happy he’s in this team, I’m happy he’s in my team. He brings that energy. I think the Penrith boys call him Fireball and that’s what he brings and what you need in Origin.
“I can’t wait to see him come on and kill a few Queenslanders.”
Haas wouldn’t mind trampling over a few himself. He has made 12 appearances for the Blues but been on the winning side on only four occasions. OIt’s a record he wants to improve starting next week on home soil.
“It means the world,” Haas said.
“You’re representing your family, and not just them, but you’re representing your state. Putting on that blue jersey, you’re representing all the next generation as well.
“You’re trying to put your name in history and get all the kids to be like us one day. There’s a lot to play for and I love to play for this state.”
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Originally published as State of Origin: Payne Haas committed to NSW Blues despite family dramas, addresses Spencer Leniu relationship
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