How Payne Haas’ strict upbringing will help NSW’s bid for State of Origin supremacy

Payne Haas admits his childhood was “different” and that he was forced to grow up quickly. However, the Blues star believes it was the strict lessons from his youth that translate to his monstrous output on the field.

NSW front-rower Payne Haas was labelled a “generational freak” before revealing his epic work rate originated through daily childhood discipline which included making his bed, taking out the rubbish, cleaning up dirty dishes and being home before street lights were switched on.

While admitting his upbringing was “different”, Haas said strict house rules set by his parents instilled a work ethic which he will again lean on this coming Wednesday night in State of Origin III.

Asked where his monstrous on-field efforts emanate from, Haas said: “It probably stems from my mum and dad. They used to train me a lot when I was kid about doing chores.

“Dad used to tell me to do all the little things – make my bed in the morning, something simple like that, take out the bins, clean up after myself, being home when the street lights came on.

“Mum and dad were big on us not living loosely. They came from different upbringings so they were pretty strict on us.

“It was discipline and hard work. Dad instilled hard work into us - you don’t get anything without hard work.

It’s always been about discipline and hard work for Payne Haas. Picture: Colin Murty / AFP

“He always made sure we trained and that we wanted it first. Mum was more the mental side, always trying to make sure we did our best.

“Mum would tell us not to slacken off and everything we did should be done hard and at 100 per cent.

“So many things add up from those days. Doing all those little things away from sport helps you on the field.”

Haas’ mother, Joan, and father, Gregor, are both incarcerated. Still only 25 years old, Haas admitted he has been forced to “grow up” quickly.

Payne Haas, Brian To’o and Hudson Young watch on from sideline of NSW training. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“I have especially had to grow up quickly over the last few years. I had to look at my life, reflect on it, and make a few changes. Having kids helps that,” Haas said.

“Obviously we grew up a bit different and were around some rough people.

“I can’t control some things so – I know that – but I can only control what I can, and that’s playing footy and being a good person. I’m just trying to be present at all times.

“I think it’s more mental. I don’t want to let down the boys, to be honest.”

NSW teammate Liam Martin offered stunning praise for Haas.

“He’s a generational freak,” Martin said. “I’m in awe of Payne every time I get the chance to play with him.

“What he’s done in the game so far and what he does week-to-week. I’ve never seen anyone like him. What he does in a game – he’ll be scrambling to save a try and then take that tough carry.

“(Origin) game one, he didn’t train all week, so to come out and see how he played, it was just incredible. I can’t remember a week where he didn’t turn up and give his all for the team. I absolutely love playing with him and can’t wait to do it again.”

Haas didn’t train on Wednesday with the NSW side through a back injury but is expected to train on Thursday.

Haas and NSW prop Mitch Barnett dominated Origin I before Barnett’s injury pushed Max King into a Blues starting middle for games two and three.

Arguably rugby league’s best prop, Haas comes off contract after 2026.

With Haas upfront, NSW will start $1.38 favourites for Origin II with Queensland $3.10 outsiders, according to TAB.