Rising star Payne Haas claims Broncos Player of the Year honours

The hits just keep on coming for Payne Haas as the big youngster claimed yet another award on Friday night when he was named Brisbane’s Player of the Year.

Payne Haas of the Broncos during the Round 13 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, June 9, 2019. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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Broncos young gun Payne Haas has capped off a dream season after being announced as Brisbane’s Player of the Year.

The 19-year-old was notified of the award after lining up in the Australia Prime Minister’s XIII against Fiji in the Pacific Island nation.

The accolade caps off an incredible season by the youngster, who made his NSW Origin debut, was awarded the Dally M Rookie of the Year, and was selected in the upcoming Kangaroos squad to play in the end of season Tests against New Zealand and Tonga.

The 194cm, 119kg steamroller was one of Brisbane’s best players in a rollercoaster 2019 season – averaging 175 running metres a game, with 91 tackle busts and four tries.

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Haas was terrific for Brisbane all season. AAP Image/Dave Hunt.

The boom rookie won the Player of the Year award in emphatic fashion, with front rower Matt Lodge the only player to come close in polling, and Anthony Milford and Andrew McCullough rounding out the top four.

Haas spoke during the week about his standout season being sparkled by wanting to repay the club for mistakes made during the off-season, which saw the Broncos issue him with a four-week ban for his failure to comply with an NRL integrity unit investigation.

BRONCOS AWARD WINNERS

NRL

Rookie of the Year: Thomas Flegler and Patrick Carrigan

Most Consistent: Alex Glenn

Best back: Kotoni Staggs

Best forward: Matt Lodge

Player’s Player: Payne Haas

Player of the Year: Payne Haas

Play of the Year: Tevita Pangai Jr and Jake Turpin for matchwinning try versus Sharks in Round 16

NRLW

Best back: Ali Brigginshaw

Best forward: Millie Boyle

Player’s Player: Rona Peters

Player of the Year: Ali Brigginshaw

XXXX Fans Player of the Year: Payne Haas and Amber Pilley

“What I did in the pre-season wasn’t acceptable but (coach Anthony Seibold) and (the club) took me in,” Haas said.

“I just wanted to make it up to them. He gave me a shot in round 5 when I first came back in.

“It was more just wanting to make it up to the Broncos.

“I went through a rough patch but they stuck with me and poured their faith in me. I just wanted to repay them.”

Lodge was last night named Broncos Best Forward of the Year, while Kotoni Staggs was named Best Back.

Haas is one of the best forwards in the competition. AAP Image/Dave Hunt.

Youngsters Thomas Flegler and Patrick Carrigan were named Broncos’ Rookies of the Year, while Alex Glenn was again named Most Consistent.

As part of last night’s awards ceremony, the club also celebrated the best Play of the Year – which went to Tevita Pangai Jr and Jake Turpin for their matchwinning try against Cronulla at Shark Park in Round 16.

Broncos NRLW dual premiership-winning captain Ali Brigginshaw also capped off an incredible year, claiming the Broncos NRLW Best Back award and their NRLW Player of the Year award.

Rookie forward Millie Boyle was named Best Forward of the Year, while Player’s Player went to lock forward Rona Peters.

Broncos supporters also had their say, naming Amber Pilley and Haas in the XXXX Fans Player of the Year award.

Originally published as Rising star Payne Haas claims Broncos Player of the Year honours