NRL 2022: Kevin Walters lashes NRL integrity unit over Payne Haas and Albert Kelly bans

The Brisbane Broncos have taken aim at the NRL over the suspensions of Payne Haas and Albert Kelly over their ‘shoe-gate’ scuffle.

Payne Haas, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Picture: Liam Kidston

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has taken aim at the NRL, declaring star prop Payne Haas should not have been suspended for Brisbane’s daunting Good Friday clash against premiers Penrith in Sydney.

The Broncos have suffered a major blow with their No.1 player Haas to miss the Panthers showdown at BlueBet Stadium after he and Albert Kelly were hit with one-game bans by the NRL for their ‘Shoe-gate’ scuffle.

The NRL integrity unit is sick and tired of Haas’ off-field indiscretions, with the NSW Origin enforcer having twice fallen foul of the governing body, resulting in seven games of suspensions and fines totalling $70,000.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Despite his lengthy rap sheet, Haas’ latest ban went down like a lead balloon with Walters, who believes the NRL’s No.1 prop should have been on deck for an explosive front-row duel with Penrith rival James Fisher-Harris.

Payne Haas, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I don’t agree with the suspension but it doesn’t matter what my opinion is,” Walters said of the NRL’s punishment for Haas and Kelly.

“It’s the NRL and integrity unit’s decision and we have to stand by their decision.

“I feel sorry for Payne and the club and our fans, but we will abide by the rules and get on with it.

“We knew early in the week what was happening with Payne. He has moved on, we have moved on and the team has moved on.”

Broncos prop Payne Haas (red) at training following an altercation with teammate Albert Kelly. Picture: Tara Croser

Asked why he didn’t take the fight to the NRL if he didn’t agree with their punishment, Walters said: “We just wanted it (the Haas-Kelly incident) to go away really.

“It’s just a one-week suspension and Payne will be back next week against the Bulldogs.

“We are continually talking to our players about their discipline on and off the field. We are supporting Payne and Albert.

“He was involved in this too, but we have to move on from it and focus on the Panthers game.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: Kevin Walters lashes NRL integrity unit over Payne Haas and Albert Kelly bans