NRL 2025: Broncos star Payne Haas set for surgery after suffering ankle injury at training

The Broncos have suffered a massive injury blow on the eve of the NRL pre-season challenge, with a key forward undergoing surgery that will have him racing the clock for round one.

The Broncos have copped a blow with Kangaroos star Payne Haas in doubt for the start of the NRL season after undergoing surgery.

Haas went under the knife on Friday after sustaining an ankle injury at training last week.

He is expected to be sidelined for about a month, but Broncos medical staff will not receive an accurate prognosis until he is assessed post-surgery.

The Broncos begin their 2025 NRL campaign against the Roosters in six weeks.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire confirmed his superstar prop had been injured.

“He has had a little clean-out on his ankle,” he said.

Payne Haas is in some doubt for Round one after undergoing ankle surgery. Picture: Getty Images

“It won’t be a long recovery. The doctors and physios felt it was the right thing to do with the timing.

“Payne looks after himself so well. We thought we’d get him in for surgery and get him right for round one.”

The ankle injury is the latest setback for Haas, who had a torrid 2024 season.

The NSW Origin prop only managed 14 appearances for the Broncos last year as he battled numerous injuries.

Haas, 25, underwent surgery on a Lisfranc injury in his foot at the end of the season which resulted in about three months of rehab.

But he reported for pre-season training in superb shape and was flying until he went down at training last week.

Haas went under the knife on Friday after sustaining an ankle injury at training last week. Picture: Adam Head

Maguire is hopeful Haas will be fit for Brisbane’s season-opener against the Roosters on March 6 in Sydney.

However his No. 1 prop is unlikely to be available for any of Brisbane’s pre-season trial matches next month.

Haas was on Thursday formally named in Brisbane’s leadership group to support captain Adam Reynolds this year.

Originally published as NRL 2025: Broncos star Payne Haas set for surgery after suffering ankle injury at training