‘We’ve got his back’: Gold Coast Titans rookie Klese Haas remains absent from training following horror car crash

As a rising NRL star seeks to cement himself in the top level this preseason, a horror crash has left him absent from training as he comprehends its impact.

Titans rookie Klese Haas remains on personal leave from NRL training as the young forward continues to deal with the fallout of a lethal car crash involving his mother.

The 20-year-old has been a missed sight at Parkwood in the New Year after his mother, Uiatu “Joan” Taufua, was charged with three counts of manslaughter for the December 30 Bonogin crash which claimed the lives of Chris Fawcett, Susan Zimmer and Steffanie Zimmer.

MORE GOLD COAST SPORT

F1 star, Ironman champ team up to make new ‘super drink’

Ranked: Qld’s best athletes making a name on the big stage

Why Tomic has been unfairly thrown on the garbage heap

Taufua also suffered mutliple fractures, internal injuries and bruised lungs, with her parole cancelled and court case adjourned until January 11 for a bail application.

Haas remained away from training on Monday — with his brother, Broncos star Payne, also granted personal leave — as he comprehends the ordeal.

His absence comes as the edge forward seeks to cement himself in the top side and fight for a bench spot behind established backrow duo David Fifita and Beau Fermor.

From his two debut appearances last year, he went on to average 29 minutes, 45 running metres and nine tackles off the bench in a promising start to his career.

Upon his own comeback to preseason training, Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui thrust his support behind teammate Haas and declared the playing group would galvanise around the rookie through this tumultuous period.

Uiatu "Joan" Taufua, mother of Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas.

Fa’asuamaleaui confirmed Haas would remain away from the squad as he processed this recent upheaval. but the Gold Coast squad had all reached out to offer support where they could.

“He hasn’t been back, it’s obviously been a very tough week for he and his family. But us boys have all sent messages to him to let him know we’re beside him,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.

“We’ve got his back no matter what, and if he needs to speak to someone we’re here for him.

“He’s spending time with family at the moment and keeping them close, so hopefully we’ll see him back soon.”

Fresh upon his comeback to pre-season after an extended break following the World Cup, Fa’asuamaleaui is set to lead the side once again in 2023.

It comes after a monster campaign for the 22-year-old, who shouldered a plethora of responsibility in what was a challenging and lacklustre season for the Titans.

Klese Haas - Photo Supplied NRL Images

Even as the Gold Coast slid down the NRL ladder, Fa’asuamaleaui finished with 146 running metres and almost 27 tackles a game in 2022; playing between lock and prop for close to 60 minutes each outing.

Yet after every loss the Maroons weapon would fall on his sword, often claiming mistakes and lapses were on his back regardless of his own output.

But despite his enormous workload, Fa’asuamaleaui has declared he had no intention of changing his style in exchange for longer recovery stints.

The likes of Cowboys star Jason Taumalolo have played on reduced minutes compared to previous years.

North Queensland coach Todd Payten was criticised in 2021 for cutting back his lock’s minutes as he sighted the need to preserve the marquee man and prolong his years as a damaging figure.

Come 2022 and the move appeared a masterstroke, with Taumalolo’s 145m and 22 tackles a game rivalling the same form in years gone by that made him one of rugby league’s most feared men.

But Fa’asuamaleaui declared there was no chance of his role being reduced if he had anything to say about it, adamant that as the Titans sought to return to the finals fore the buck would start and stop with him.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui of the Titans looks on during the round 20 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Canberra Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium, on July 30, 2022, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“That’s my football; I always want to be out there no matter what and it give it 100 per cent,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.

“That’s just me as a footy player; I want to go out there amongst it all when it’s tough. When you’re winning and in bad times you want to go out there and learn from all of that.

“I’m definitely accountable for everyone out there. I think through my game I felt I could’ve done more in some games.

“But I had a good break, I’m back now and still very young so I can get out there no matter what and give it my all. I’m still going to be the same … and leave everything out there.”