‘It was crazy’: Pangai recalls Haas training sessions that proved he was going to be an Origin star

Payne Haas was the young buck five years ago who caught the eye of Tevita Pangai Junior. But now the roles are reversed with the Bulldogs enforcer set to make his Origin debut alongside his mate.

Tevita Pangai Junior knew Payne Haas was going to be an Origin star from the moment he saw him dominate Broncos training. Picture; AAP Image/Darren England

It took just 21 minutes for Payne Haas to prove to the world that he was more than just hype with a powerhouse debut against the Bunnies that was good enough to earn a lengthy highlights clip on YouTube.

The teenage powerhouse came off the bench that night in 2018 and took it to the Burgess twins as well as John Sutton, Angus Crichton and Cam Murray, but Tevita Pangai Junior already knew the 18-year-old phenom was destined for greatness.

The world took notice when Payne Haas made his NRL debut against the Rabbitohs five years ago. Picture; Phil Hillyard

Pangai was in his third season with the Broncos when Haas burst onto the scene, but the pair have come full circle with the giant prop about to play his tenth game for the Blues while the Bulldogs enforcer is getting ready to make his NSW debut.

If the buildup is anything to go by then Pangai’s battle with the Queensland pack should provide highlights for years to come, which is no different to what Haas did five years ago in that game against South Sydney.

Prop forwards don’t always make the highlights reel, but Haas did when he chased a kick and then dragged Richie Kennar into the in-goal to force a line dropout which led to a telling James Roberts try from the ensuing set.

“I was pretty young and I was still trying to find my feet, and Payne was such a freak when he came in,” Pangai said.

“He showed that he was an Origin player from his first game in the NRL.

“I think he had a kick-chase and mauled a guy from the 10-metre line to get us a repeat set. I remember that clearly, and from then on I just knew he had those Origin efforts in him.

Tevita Pangai Junior was in awe of Haas the moment he met him at Broncos training. Picture; AAP Image/Darren England

“I think this is his tenth game already for NSW and he’s only 23 so he’s had a heck of a career that’s only really just starting.

“It was crazy when I saw him at training.

“He was 16 when he was getting dropped off by his dad because he didn’t have his L plates back then. His dad would drop him off and would wait for him while he trained.

“I’ve never seen someone so big and so fit at that age and he trained the house down every day. It was crazy.”

Pangai played a role in Haas’ development given there weren’t many New South Welshmen in that Broncos squad, but the roles have been reversed with the young buck now the wise head trying to help his mate settle in to the Blues squad.

Haas has come a long way from the teenager who won fitness drills at the Broncos in the pre-season. Picture; Liam Kidston.

“He helped me out when I first came in,” Haas said.

“It’s pretty cool that it’s all come full circle now that we’re playing Origin together.”

The pair have spent plenty of time together during camp in Coogee, while they also showed off their boxing skills in Woolloomooloo earlier in the week.

Both men love their combat sports and could easily forge careers in boxing after footy, but Pangai doesn’t want to face his mate in the ring because he knows what might happen.

“I think he’d outlast me in the championship rounds in the ring. He’d take me to deep waters and drown me,” he smiled.

“I’m super proud of what he’s done. We’re both fathers and I’m really happy for Payne and the man he’s become.”

Originally published as ‘It was crazy’: Pangai recalls Haas training sessions that proved he was going to be an Origin star