Broncos tyro Payne Haas is already planning how to beat the dreaded second year syndrome
Even the greatest rookies aren’t immune to the dreaded second-year syndrome, but Broncos prop and Test hopeful Payne Haas is already plotting ways to beat it in 2020.
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He is the Paddington prop who has seen teammates crumble in their second year of NRL.
Payne Haas may be just 19 years old but is still aware of the old fashioned term used to describe players who fall away in season two of their footy careers – the Second Year Syndrome.
Hass, born at Paddington in Sydney’s east, has enjoyed a booming season with Brisbane which now includes selection in the Prime Minister’s XIII, which arrived in Fiji on Tuesday.
He represented NSW in State of Origin I this season and has won Kangaroos honours for Tests against New Zealand and Tonga.
Haas was also Dally M prop of the year and Dally M rookie of the year and is expected to be named Broncos best and fairest on Friday night.
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Now the challenge is there for Haas – to somehow improve a stunning year in 2020. And that will start with a spot in the PM’s side to play Fiji in Suva this Friday night.
Haas knows the pressure will be intense next season to, at the very least, maintain his rampaging form from this year.
“I have seen a lot of guys with Second Year Syndrome and I don’t want to be that guy,” Haas told The Daily Telegraph.
“Some players I know have gone through it but I don’t believe in it. I will work ever harder. If I don’t keep improving, it’s not going to go well for me.
“The day I stop improving will be the day I stop playing rugby league.
“Every year is a new one and obviously I have to keep improving. I just want to be the best I can be.
“The people around me will tell me what I have to work on and my coaches at the Broncos will also tell me. I already have a pretty good idea of what I have to work on.
“Next year is a big year for us – we have to prove a lot of people wrong. We haven’t had success at Brisbane for a long time – I think it’s 2006 since we won the title. I also don’t want to let my family down.”
Haas – who stands 194 cms and weighs 119 kgs - played some junior rugby league at Woodberry in the Hunter before his family moved to Queensland when he was aged 13.
That very same kid is now ready to win his first Australian jumper.
“Playing for Australia is the highest honour you can get in rugby league,” Haas said. “I am privileged and blessed,” Haas said.
“Any kid dreams about playing their country, putting on the green and gold jersey. Playing New Zealand and Tonga will be pretty special. I didn’t expect it but I can’t wait. It’s real crazy.
“After all the rep stuff I will have a bit of a break – a week or two weeks and then get back into training so I’m in good shape.”
Haas will join other young Brisbane giants David Fifita and Thomas Flegler in the PM’s side, which stayed in Nadi before travelling to Suva on Wednesday.