Payne Haas’s private barber the secret to NSW enforcer’s devastating Origin performances

You look good, you play good. We paid a visit to the barber who travels around Australia to make sure NSW giant Payne Haas has just the look to destroy an opponent. WATCH THE VIDEO

Look good, feel good, play good.

Payne Haas may be the best prop in the game — a giant capable of carrying teams on his own back — but the NSW Origin star admits the secret to his success may be his own private barber.

He even goes as far as travelling to Sydney to get his hair cut by lifelong friend and established barber Mohamad Srour.

“I gotta try to do something with the way I look, bro,” Haas said.

“I don’t look the best when I don’t have a cut, so whenever I get a haircut, I feel good.

“I always come back to Sydney, and Moey always cuts me up. We’ve known each other for a long time, and I always want to help out his business and support him.”

Less than 24 hours before Haas left for Perth, the Blues enforcer took a 30-minute Uber to the brand-new Barber Brothers store at The Grand in Eastlakes to ensure he had the perfect look before he tries to seal the State of Origin series on Wednesday night.

And while 30 minutes may seem like a long way for a high burst fade, it’s nothing compared to what Srour has been willing to do to make sure his customer of eight years feels the best on game day.

Last year, the barber travelled to Melbourne before Origin game two to cut his friend’s hair, which Haas believes was one of his best performances in the rugby league spectacle.

Despite taking a lot of pride in his own hair, Haas has also analysed some of his teammates’ styles and even picked his favourite.

Srour travelled to Melbourne last year to make sure Haas got the treatment before he went out and terrorised his opponents. Picture: Monique Harmer

Barber gets stuck into his work to make sure Payne Haas will be ready for Origin. Picture: Monique Harmer

“Patty Carrigan, long luscious hair, it’s nice,” Haas said.

“I’d love to have his hair.”

Out of his Blues teammates, the answer is the complete opposite.

“Dylan Edwards, he’s got the best hair.”

Haas has even tried helping his teammates out with their own cuts, bringing Srour to the Broncos hotel when they play in Sydney.

“When they come down, Payne always calls me to go to the hotel,” Srour said.

“I take the Barber Brothers team, and we fade up the boys. We’ve been doing it since 2019.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Daily Telegraph Photos - Friday, 13 June 2025: NSW star Payne Haas pictured getting his hair cut at his favourite barber shop in Sydney, Barber Brothers at The Grand Shopping Centre in Eastlakes. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Monique Harmer

All smiles after a fresh trim. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Monique Harmer

Srour thanks Haas for helping grow his business, now owning three stores, and expresses his gratitude with a mural on his wall at his Cronulla store.

But even with his face plastered on the walls of a barber store, Haas doesn’t believe his future lies in barbering.

Payne Haas reckons Dylan Edwards has the best hair in the NSW team. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Although he does think Pat Carrigan has ‘long, luscious hair’. Picture Lachie Millard

“I have never worked a day in my life, so I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to do after footy,” Haas said.

“Barbering isn’t easy, so I don’t reckon I’ll be a barber.”

Payne Haas was dominant for the Blues in Origin I. Picture: Adam Head

AWAKENING THE ORIGIN BEAST

It may seem like a long time ago, but Haas was once criticised for his Origin performances, with experts frequently expressing he hadn’t delivered in the arena.

In the lead-up to the 2024 Origin series, questions arose over whether Haas was made for Origin, and after claiming man-of-the-match in game one, Haas said that while he didn’t agree with the criticism, he listened to it all.

And it’s safe to say he took it all on board.

“Personally, I didn’t (feel like I wasn’t performing), but I saw so much chat, I just really wanted to shoosh them a bit,” Haas said.

“I would be lying if I said I didn’t listen to them.”

Despite being a standout in the last few Origin match-ups, Haas cares more about the Blues winning than his own personal performance.

“It’s all about winning for me, to be honest, and if we get the win, that’s all that matters.”

Haas is loved in Brisbane for most of the year, but becomes an enemy come Origin time. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

FISH OUT OF WATER

For all but nine weeks, Haas is a hero in Brisbane, with the majority of the state looking to the enforcer to help break a premiership drought which spans 19 years.

But for the nine weeks Origin is on, Haas quickly turns into public enemy No.1.

A few brave Queenslanders even try to throw shade at the 117kg front-rower.

“Hundred per cent, especially at my club,” Haas said.

“It’s a bit weird at Origin time, they’re always trying to give it to me.

“The only way to shut that up is to win.”

Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas are mates until they put on their state colours. Picture: Liam Kidston

MATE V MATE

He is on the record saying he wants his hair, but when they are against each other, Haas only wants a win over Broncos teammate Carrigan.

When both do battle for the Broncos, they’re one of the best middle pairings in the comp, but when they lock horns on Wednesday night, Haas and Carrigan will quickly turn from best friends to bitter rivals.

“We started our footy journey together in the NRL, and we’re best mates off the field, so it is a bit weird running out there,” Haas said.

“There are no friends on the field.”

And while Haas is proud of his great mate from the other state, and loves playing with him, he also revealed it’s very easy to switch off the friendship when entering the Origin arena., sending a scary message to the Maroons in the lead up to their must win clash on Wednesday night.

“It’s very easy,” Haas said.

“I just want to win.”

It’s hard to escape the spotlight when wearing a Broncos jersey. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

PAYNE THE BRONCO

It’s hard to escape the spotlight at Red Hill, and Haas still hasn’t figured out why.

Loving Brisbane and what he has built up there with his family, Haas is looking to secure himself at the club for the rest of his career.

“I love it here, and built something very good for myself and family in Brisbane,“ Haas said.

“All the talk comes with our job, to be honest.

“I’m not too bothered, just trying to do me and appreciate what I’m doing.”

Originally published as Payne Haas’s private barber the secret to NSW enforcer’s devastating Origin performances