Challenge to Brisbane duo
PETER BADEL
NSW coach Brad Fittler has challenged Brisbane’s Origin contenders Matt Lodge and Payne Haas to fire up as NRL enforcers, claiming the Broncos lacked the unity to be a premiership team last season.
Haas and Lodge are eyeing NSW Origin jumpers this season but Fittler says the Broncos duo’s primary focus should be providing the muscle and aggression to break Brisbane’s 14-year premiership drought.
Lodge, Brisbane’s senior front-rower, was in the frame for a call-up last year before being usurped by teammate Haas, who bolted into the squad for an Origin I debut after just 10 NRL games.
Haas was named in an extended NSW squad in December for a pre-season camp, but Lodge’s omission is a sign Fittler wants more impact from the Broncos’ pack leader.
“Payne and Lodge need to drive the Broncos,” said Fittler, who himself emerged from the same Penrith junior development system as Lodge.
“It’s something I didn’t really see last year – the Broncos as a team didn’t seem like a unit.
“Individually, they (Lodge and Haas) can have some great games but you need to get your team to win.
“They are only young and it’s a big ask for them at the moment, but Lodge and Haas have to lead the way and rally their team.
“Lodge offers a lot more than most props. He can play really big minutes and the thing I like about Matt is that he can pass the ball, he has a lot of footy in him.
“He is a special talent,” said Fittler.
The Broncos will play the Cowboys at Barlow Park on February 22. Visit ticketlink.com.au