NRL 2023: Martin Taupau signing fixes Broncos’ biggest weakness, Pat Carrigan vows to support Payne Haas

The Broncos signing of enforcer Marty Taupau has helped fix one of Brisbane’s biggest weaknesses, as they look to return to finals footy in 2023, writes Robert Craddock.

Pat Carrigan admits Payne Haas will be carrying a heavy load in 2023, but has vowed to stand by his team mate. Picture: Josh Woning.

Marty Taupau has been lauded as the man who will bring back missing mongrel as the Broncos address the stunning statistic that lays bare their lack of battle-hardened warriors.

Before they signed Manly enforcer Taupau last Friday the Broncos, remarkably, had the least number of players in the competition (three) with 100 NRL games experience.

It’s why Taupau’s 222 game pedigree is so important to a team which has just Adam Reynolds (251), Corey Oates (192) and Kurt Capewell (115) as NRL centurions.

Even with the addition of 32-year-old Taupau, the Broncos still sit with Cronulla, the Titans and Manly on the bottom rung of the 100 games club with just four players, a stark contrast to teams at the top of the list – South Sydney, Parramatta and North Queensland – who have 11.

After signing Martin Taupau, the Broncos have injected some much needed experience into their roster. Picture: Getty Images.

The new club, the Dolphins, also have 11 100-game players but their problem is not a lack of experience but an overload of it for they have bought many players near the end of their careers.

Taupau’s signing has lightened the burden on blossoming youngster Pat Carrigan who will welcome Taupau’s godfather presence when he lands at Broncos training next Monday.

“To have someone who has done everything in the game and can be a bit like an enforcer for us (is great) - and he is a big unit too,’’ Carrigan said.

“He will bring a strong mental shift, not only myself but a lot of the other Pacifica boys we have here. The club is bringing people of good character and Marty definitely fits the mould.

“I’m super excited to get him here and actually learn some things from him. I think he adds a real point of difference with us.’’

Carrigan said not only would Taupau’s aggression be welcome but tips on how to control it would also be appreciated.

Taupau’s signing will also lift the burden on forwards Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, who have been standouts for the Broncos in recent seasons. Picture: Getty Images.

“Sometimes we see a bit red. Myself and boys like Tommy Flegler are a bit guilty of that.

“He’s a gun. What hasn’t he done? He is a Kiwi international, a Samoan international and a pretty prominent figure who will tick a lot of boxes.’’

Carrigan claims he learnt much from Australia’s off-season World Cup win in England but is still smarting over a late-season four match suspension for a hip drop tackle which came as the Broncos season was collapsing.

“It was pretty tough to be honest, just sitting there watching that four week period. Especially after everything that happened and not being able to be out there.

“I did feel a bit of responsibility there. I don’t want to say I owe the fans because the people I owe are my mum and dad. That is what I am grateful for.’’

BRONCO VOWS TO SUPPORT HAAS THROUGH ‘HORRIFIC FAMILY CRISIS’

Broncos star Pat Carrigan has conceded prop Payne Haas is carrying a “fair load’’ but has promised the club will stick by him during his horrific family crisis.

Haas has recently returned to the club after taking personal leave after his mother Uiatu “Joan’ Taufua was charged with three counts of manslaughter over her alleged involvement in a car crash on the Gold Coast that killed three people.

Haas has resumed full responsibilities as a senior player since rejoining the club including his role with the likes of Carrigan and Adam Reynolds in the team leadership group.

“He does carry a fair load but I know at the end of the day he has a heart of gold and he always looks after us,’’ Carrigan said.

“It is a big year for Payney but I know myself and the rest of the boys will be there through thick and thin for him.

Pat Carrigan admits Payne Haas will be carrying a heavy load in 2023, but has vowed to stand by his team mate. Picture: Josh Woning.

“He is a really loyal fellow. He is one of my best mates. He has gone through a lot but I also see him as a pretty amazing fellow in terms of character. As a club we will stick by him.

“In the tougher times of my career and my life he has been one of the first people there for me. I know a lot of the boys would say the same.

“There is no-one more than Payne Haas wants to see the Broncos win football games and put us back on top.’’

Haas is regarded by the Broncos as a player who has been able to compartmentalise off-field stresses during his sporting career but his mother’s current plight could be his greatest emotional challenge.

His mother remains behind bars, recovering from the injuries she suffered in the crash.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy says the club will take care of Haas. Picture: Liam Kidston

Taufua has withdrawn her bail application and her case was adjourned for a committal mention on March 9, a day before Haas and the Broncos are due to host North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium in their Round 2 derby.

Club chief executive Dave Donaghy told News Corp recently: “Payne’s responsibility in the short term is to look after those close to him. Our responsibility is to take care of Payne.’’

“To be really clear, Payne didn’t have any involvement in this (the car accident). He’s seen his name connected because of obvious reasons. There’s legal proceedings and serious charges that will play out away from the club,” he said.

“Payne’s got a beautiful daughter and partner and also six brothers and sisters that are school-age.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Martin Taupau signing fixes Broncos’ biggest weakness, Pat Carrigan vows to support Payne Haas