NRL 2020: Brisbane Broncos issue challenge to Cowboys’ monster forwards

Despite missing three forward monsters heading into the blockbuster Queensland derby, Brisbane Broncos have thrown down the challenge to their rival Cowboys pack.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 09: Payne Haas during a Brisbane Broncos NRL training session at Clive Berghofer Centre on March 09, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

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Barnstorming Bronco Payne Haas has fired a warning shot to the Cowboys pack – prepare for the Brisbane bash brothers.

North Queensland boast a monster 561kg engine room, with the likes of human wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo and vice-captain Jordan McLean leading through the middle.

It comes as Brisbane have lost some of their own muscle in their forward pack, with Matt Lodge (knee) and Alex Glenn (hamstring) ruled out with injury and Joe Ofahengaue left out through suspension.

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Payne Haas is relishing a shot at the monster Cowboys pack. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

However, Haas wasn’t fazed by the might of the opposing pack – if anything, he is relishing the chance to go head-to-head with them tonight.

The Queensland derby has ignited a fierce rivalry between Tongan teammates Taumalolo and Tevita Pangai Jr.

Now, 119kg Haas will have the 118kg McLean running at him in his opposite number in what shapes to be another big-bodied battle in the middle.

Haas said he was prepared for the challenge of containing him.

“They’re pretty big, but we’re pretty big ourselves so that’s all right,” Haas said.

“(McLean) is another big body. (Their) whole team is massive.

“We just have to get up quick, take some time off them and make them defend a lot.

“I love competition. I love playing the best.

“Obviously I want to come up against these guys and I’m always up for it.

“It’s going to be a pretty tough game. It’s the opening of their new stadium.”

Jason Taumalolo. Picture: Evan Morgan

Jordan McLean. Picture: Stewart McLean

The Broncos have been working hard on their defence in the middle of the field in preparation for North Queensland’s forward pack attack.

“We have spoken about that and we know the Cowboys would have been watching our trials and looking to expose that,” Haas said.

“We’ve been working on that in the last couple of weeks to tighten up our middle.

“We should be sweet by Friday.”

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Haas ran more metres (3694m) and busted more tackles (91) last season than any other forward in the competition and he’s planning to continue his domination this year.

The 20-year-old said he was planning on rushing the Cowboys’ attacking forwards.

“If we can just get into the grind, we can take that out of their game a bit,” he said.

“Their forwards are real good with the ball and you can’t take that away from them.

“They’re real good with attack so as long as we get into the grind with them, we should go all right.”