FIFITA: ANOTHER HAAS CLOSING IN
State of Origin star’s brother makes telling statement for the Seagulls
TITANS star David Fifita has made a name for himself in becoming one of the most destructive edge forwards in the NRL.
However, there is a young gun fast approaching a first-grade berth, and the Queensland sensation has sent out a warning shot: “Another Haas is on the way.” Klese Haas, the younger brother of Brisbane Broncos and New South Wales phenom Payne Haas, made an emphatic statement in the Tweed Seagulls colts’ opening clash of 2022.
Scoring a hat-trick on the edge, his coach Aaron Zimmerle simply described each try as “very Haas-like”.
The 19-year-old’s potential should have Gold Coast rugby league pundits salivating at the thought of a Haas-fifita backrow, with Fifita himself declaring the youngster a future NRL gun.
But his coach believes there is still one key area in his game for Haas to transform.
DAVID Fifita has established a reputation as arguably the NRL’S most damaging edge forward.
But the Gold Coast star has sent an ominous warning out to rugby league pundits around the country about an emerging prospect who may one day unseat him:
“Another Haas is on the way.” Klese Haas, the younger brother of New South Wales and Brisbane Broncos sensation Payne Haas, made an emphatic start to his Tweed Seagulls season with the Colts side.
In a 40-16 triumph over crosstown rivals, the Burleigh Bears, Haas scored a brilliant hat-trick, with each try coming in “very Haas-like” fashion, according to his coach Aaron Zimmerle.
Fifita, who played alongside the older Haas during his time at the Broncos, also went to school with the rising star – two years his senior at Keebra Park State High.
And having kept a watchful eye over him while training with the Titans, he said the youngster had all the makings of a future NRL sensation.
“He’s one of the bright futures of the game. He’s still young, he’s two years younger than me and a backrower as well, and he’s in and around training … he’s a really good player,” Fifita said. “He’s still young and learning, but watch out for him in the future – another Haas is on the way.”
Despite such a disrupted start to the Hasting Deerings Colts competition for the Seagulls, having had their first round postponed due to flooding in Piggabeen, Zimmerle was left in awe at the attacking prowess his side showcased in their season opener.
Down 16-10 at the halftime break, Tweed piled on the pain from the opening minute coming out of the sheds, with tries to fullback Jaylan De Groot (two) and winger Brent Barnes bookending Haas’ second and third four-pointers. Zimmerle has witnessed Haas’ exploits for some time now, having first come across the dynamic forward in his high school years.
Already he has seen palpable signs from the young talent that his work with the Titans has paid huge dividends, but now he was determined to add as many dimensions to his game as possible.
“I’ve known him for a few years, he spent time at school with us, and athletically he has transformed … and is getting the rewards of that now,” Zimmerle said.
“He has great intent when he carries the ball, he’s not only looking for a break he’s looking to inflict pain on those in front of him. He’s tidied up the small errors in his game, I think maybe it’s just adding more tool to his kit.
“Obviously, he’s blessed in terms of what he has in speed and size, but we want him to be multiskilled so he can ball play as well.
“Same if he plays in the middle, with the modern middle forward they are as good with their hands as a halfback.”
Tweed will next take on the Townsville Blackhawks on ANZAC Day, with the competition to go on break over Easter.