Blues man-of-the-match Payne claims his game has ‘no ceiling’

NSW Blues’ Origin I man of the match Payne Haas has fired a warning shot to his Queensland and NRL rivals, suggesting we still haven’t seen his best footy, vowing that he can be even better.

Payne Haas was stupendous in NSW’s State of Origin I triumph but the rampaging Blues prop has issued a menacing pledge by declaring: “I can, and will, get better.”

Despite training for just 15 minutes over a ten-day camp due to a quad injury, a thunderous Haas produced one of the great front-row performances in Origin history on Wednesday night.

His midfield domination inspired the Blues to an epic 18-6 win over Queensland with NSW now just 80 minutes from securing a second successive series.

Haas posted 138 metres through 18 runs, three tackle busts, three offloads and 29 tackles in a man-of-the-match performance.

State of Origin I man of the match Payne Haas. Picture: NRL Images/Grant Trouville

But Haas has demanded even more from his game, saying: “It would be stupid of me not to think I can’t go to another level.

“I am determined to keep getting better and I can get better - I don’t know my ceiling. I want to keep pushing myself and see how far I can go.

“I don’t want to rest on my laurels and get comfortable.

“I wouldn’t say I’m at the top of my game but feel like I’m improving a lot.

“There is still lots of stuff to work on.

“I’m only 25 so there is still a long way to go.

“I will keep working hard and see where it goes.

“My dad (Gregor) always said to strive for the best. It’s about persistence and perseverance.

“There are a lot of parts of my game where I can get better, especially going back to the Broncos. I’ve got to be better there for the boys.”

State of Origin I man of the match Payne Haas. Picture: NRL Images/Grant Trouville

Haas and the Blues forwards destroyed Queensland.

And Haas’ epic performance was even more meritorious given he barely trained all week.

“For a big bloke, limited prep like a ten-day prep with hardly any running because we had to make sure that he was right,” said NSW coach Laurie Daley.

“To jump out of the ground and do what he did was inspirational actually.

“Payne probably had not even half a session, a quarter of a session on the Monday. And we did nothing on the Tuesday so he hadn’t really trained.

“And then to push out the minutes he did and be strong the way he was, it was great.”

Payne Haas in action during game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series between Queensland and NSW at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pics Adam Head

The Blues celebrated post-game but were more than aware the series runs over three games. It is abundantly clear NSW has built an unbreakable camaraderie and spirit.

Speaking about his injury-affected build-up, Haas said: “I was going to play, no matter what. We did captain’s run and I got a bit nervous on the bus because I had limited preparation but Laurie and the boys showed faith in me and I didn’t want to let them down.

“I was just doing my job, mate. I love this (Blues) jersey so much, I love the boys and I love playing for the people of NSW.

“We didn’t want to let them down, especially those on the mid north coast with what’s been going on (with flooding). We know what Queensland will do, they will bounce back. They will be up for it so we will have to be better to get the win.”