Payne’s plan for an hour of power

BRISBANE workhorse Payne Haas believes he is more effective playing less minutes as the giant prop looks to adapt his playing style to fit the changing nature of the game.

Haas averaged 71 minutes a game during the 2020 season, according to Fox Sports Lab statistics, to finish the year with 162 running metres a match and 42 tackle breaks.

Despite being a member of the Broncos first wooden spoon club, Haas’ massive engine and physical fitness earned him a spot in the Blues Origin squad in November.

However, Haas (pictured) admitted his playing minutes could be limited in the upcoming season as he looks to pack a punch in shortened bursts.

The 119kg 21-year-old said he was still prepared to play an entire match but conceded he would be more effective in two half-hour stints.

“I love playing 80 minutes,” Haas said. “I love competing against other people. But what’s best for me and my body, I feel like 30 minutes on (in the first half) and 30 in the second would be best for me. It would probably be the best for the team as well.

“I want to play 80 and just compete out there for the whole game but I know what’s best for me and the team, and I think that’s to play 30.”

Haas returned to Broncos pre-season training for the first time last week after receiving a well-earned break post-Origin.

And the rampaging forward looks to have come back to Red Hill in good condition, keeping pace with many players who have been training for more than a month.

Now entering his fourth NRL season, Haas said he was working to add another string to his attacking bow by improving his offloading skills.

“I know I struggled on the line (in defence), making the right decisions, so I’m just going to work harder on that this year,” he said.

“With this new kind of game now, a short pass helps a lot in the game so I’m going to work on that.”