Payne Haas on injury, top four goals and Michael Maguire’s impact at the Brisbane Broncos

Payne Haas has declared himself a certain starter for round one as Brisbane’s superstar prop revealed how the help of Sonny Bill Williams has him primed to spearhead a Broncos title dynasty.

Payne Haas has declared himself a certain starter for round one as Brisbane’s superstar prop revealed how the help of Sonny Bill Williams has him primed to spearhead a Broncos title dynasty.

Haas also revealed the Broncos’ motto this season – “never give up on each other” – and why that mantra is driving his rehabilitation to be fit for Brisbane’s premiership opener against the Roosters on March 6.

Brisbane’s No.1 prop recently underwent off-season ankle surgery, yet another setback after the serious Lisfranc injury that restricted Haas to just 14 appearances last season.

It is understood new Broncos coach Michael Maguire is considering putting Haas on ice for Brisbane’s upcoming NRL Pre-Season Challenge games against the Titans this Sunday and Canterbury on Saturday week.

Payne Haas says he is no danger of missing round 1 due to injury. Picture: Patrick Woods

But Haas insists he is in no danger of missing round 1 against the Roosters, with the 25-year-old ready to ramp up training as he outlined his mission to lead Brisbane to the top four this year – and break the club’s 19-year title drought.

“I should be all good for round 1, it’s nothing serious,” said Haas, Brisbane’s representative at the NRL’s 2025 season launch in Sydney on Monday.

“I have stopped the rehab now and I’ll be back playing with the boys soon.

“It’s a big year for our team, we have a point to prove.

“We’ve had a big pre-season now and I’m just ready to play some footy. It’s been a tough pre-season. I can’t wait to start competing against the other teams. I’m excited to play for Brisbane, the people and our jersey.

“We’re aiming for the top four, 100 per cent. You need that top four spot to give yourself a chance of winning the whole thing.

“Top four is definitely the goal.”

Winning a premiership ring is ostensibly the final frontier for Haas. He has played at the highest level for New South Wales and Australia and has been Brisbane’s standout player for half a decade, winning a record five Paul Morgan Medals as the club’s player of the year.

But Haas won’t be truly content until he lifts the NRL trophy in Broncos colours.

Famed for his ultra consistency, the 118kg man mountain believes he can go to another level this season, a mindset steeled by the private support of NRL legend Sonny Bill, who also helped Haas with his conversion to Islam in 2019.

Haas says the Broncos are aiming for top four. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“Sonny Bill has helped me a lot,” Haas said.

“I see him as my role model and looking up to him helps me a lot in where I want to go in life and what I want to get out of football.

“Sonny is not the only guy, there’s been a number of people who have helped.

“I still talk to Sonny a lot actually. It’s great to have someone of his stature to lean on, someone who has been there and done that in the NRL and the All Blacks.

“The main advice he gives me is to be my own man and find my purpose in life.

“To have that sort of guidance from someone of Sonny’s stature and ability is massive.”

Former All Blacks rugby player Sonny Bill Williams has been a support person for Haas. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Only a handful of Broncos have been coached by Maguire. Haas is one. He was a member of Maguire’s successful NSW Origin team last year and the hulking bookend believes the 2014 premiership coach’s principles can forge a golden era for the Broncos.

While one premiership would be a career highlight, Haas believes Brisbane have the roster to chase a Penrith-style dynasty.

“It’s not just winning a premiership for me … we want to win a few to be honest,” Haas said.

“He’s (coach Maguire) been good. He will bring a hard edge and a defensive mindset. He really cares about the players and he loves connection in the way he wants his teams to play.

“Our style this year, basically, is going to be mates not giving up on each other.

“When the going gets tough, Madge wants us to get going and work for each other.

“Our attack will always be there, but not giving up on each other is the key.

“We have to do lots of work to get to that standard (set by Penrith).

“Just one premiership would be a good start, but I think we have the squad to have a lot of success.”

Originally published as Payne Haas on injury, top four goals and Michael Maguire’s impact at the Brisbane Broncos