Superstar prop Payne Haas has opened up about his desire for NSW to reach the Origin summit, the tragedy behind his name and the family troubles he’s had to overcome in recent years in a wide ranging interview with Fox League’s Yvonne Sampson.
Haas is considered by many as the best prop in rugby league, and his play was duly rewarded with a massive contract extension from the Brisbane Broncos worth over $1 million a season.
After last season’s grand final heartbreak, Haas is hungry to atone and win a premiership with Brisbane. However, the proud New South Welshman is just as keen to help his state return to Origin supremecy.
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Haas will again spearhead a Blues forward pack which will attempt to thwart the Maroons winning their fourth series in five years.
“It’s a bit frustrating because our NSW team is such a good team but we haven’t been able to perform,” Haas said.
“I feel like Madge (new coach Michael Maguire) is going to get the best out of us and we have to get this series win just to put some pride back in our jersey.
“Especially for the NSW fans. We lost for a while there – 8 years in a row – which really sucked growing up and we don’t really want that happening again.
“I feel like the connection is good at the Blues, but the big moments we lose. We just have to find a way to win those moments.”
Considering he plays for the Broncos, a NSW series loss is harder to swallow for Haas than those Blues players who represent Sydney-based NRL teams.
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“When we got smashed at Suncorp, I didn’t want to talk to my Broncos teammates for the next few days.
“It was pretty hard to take. Especially losing against Queensland, I hate it.
“But I obviously got to play well at the Broncos first and enjoy my time there before Origin and before I hate the boys.”
Haas also discussed the tragic car accident involving his mother Joan which occurred just after Christmas in 2022.
A Mercedes driven by Joan Taufua caused the death of three people who were travelling in a separate vehicle in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Taufua was charged with three counts of manslaughter, one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, evading police and driving without a licence.
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Haas admitted the situation was extremely tough on his family.
“There’s not much you can say but I feel like my Mum knows the situation she’s in now but I feel like my Mum sort of knows what’s happened now,” Haas said.
“I can’t really dwell on it but I’ll keep moving forward and keep showing up for my little brothers and sisters
“I feel like Mum knows what she has put the family through but at the end of the day it’s my Mum still and I still love her.
“I don’t support what she did but I will still love and support her and I won’t ever turn my back on her.”
Watch the full episode of Face-to-Face with Payne Haas on Kayo Sports!
Source Agencies
