Broncos superstar Payne Haas has been ruled out of the grand final rematch against the Panthers on Thursday night after losing the race to recover from a knee injury.
It’s a significant blow for a Broncos side who were already going to be without halfback Adam Reynolds (knee).
Broncos coach Kevin Walters signalled over the weekend that Haas was in some doubt after he didn’t train on Sunday.
It is believed Haas suffered the injury during the first half of the win over Souths last Thursday.
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
Haas was given every chance to recover and prove his fitness, but as Walters revealed on Wednesday, the prop’s knee pain was too much to overcome even though an MRI showed no issue.
“Payne won’t be playing tomorrow night,” Walters told reporters at Broncos training.
“He still has some problems with his knee so we the doctors will have a look at it this afternoon and give us a better diagnosis about where he’s at.”
Just two rounds into the season, Walters said the Broncos have decided to err on the side of caution.
“We always have our players’ welfare first and foremost from a medical point of view so we will do that for Payno,” he said.
“No one likes missing games and Payne is very competitive… He feels he is letting the team down but he’s not, in actual fact he’s doing the right thing.
“We pulled him out to get his knee looked at properly and see what the issue is.
“He didn’t feel 100 per cent today. He is a key player for us so we will play him when he is fit.”
Walters also revealed who will come into the side to replace Haas, with a young prop to make his first start for the Broncos.
“Xavier Willison comes into the 17 and he is a terrific prospect for us. We’ll probably start Fletcher Baker, who is a first time starter for the club,” Walters said.
“Fletch was a key off-season signing for us (from Roosters) as a middle forward and he’s been very solid for us so far.”
Knights drop Hastings from halfback | 01:43
Source Agencies
