Push to see Payne deliver on promise
NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler has delivered a simple message to hulking Blues hopeful Payne Haas: “Don’t let the old blokes stand over you.”
Despite having only played three NRL games, Haas, 19, is looming as one the most exciting storylines of next year thanks to his 117kg frame and natural athleticism, which have resulted in him being listed as an Emerging Blue.
Outstanding on debut for the Brisbane Broncos in Round 8 this year, Haas churned through 86m and 13 tackles in his 21 minutes against South Sydney, prompting Channel 9’s Phil Gould to say: “You’re seeing the birth of a superstar.”
However, the following week against Canterbury, the 194cm wrecking ball was floored in a crunching tackle by Bulldogs enforcer and incumbent Blues tough Dave Klemmer.
The hit left the teenager concussed and with an ankle injury.
Fittler said it would now be up to the young Bronco, who was born in Newcastle, to ready himself for similar challenges next year and prove he is among the competition’s toughest nuts.
“Payne Haas is an incredible talent,” Fittler said.
“He showed plenty of potential this season … but then Dave Klemmer went and knocked him out.
“So next year for Payne, it’s now about not letting an older bloke stand over him. It’s about him getting out there and being the No.1 frontrower.”
Having already worked with Haas for years in the NSW Pathways system, Fittler also has no doubt the young Bronco can be an NRL force in what will still effectively be his rookie season. Monday March 4, 2019 • 12 – 2.30pm Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane
Single ticket: $165 • Tables of 10 available