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Bronco Haas stakes NSW Origin claim

3 minute read

Prop Payne Haas has staked a NSW State of Origin claim by inspiring Brisbane's 15-10 NRL upset over ladder leaders Sydney Roosters on Friday night.

Roosters coach TRENT ROBINSON watches on during the Sydney Roosters NRL training session at Kippax Lake in Sydney, Australia.
Roosters coach TRENT ROBINSON watches on during the Sydney Roosters NRL training session at Kippax Lake in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Even rival NRL coach Trent Robinson couldn't help but talk up Payne Haas' NSW claims after the prop inspired Brisbane's 15-10 upset over Sydney Roosters.

The Roosters mentor made it clear he did not want to offer an opinion on anyone's Blues chances following the Broncos' Friday night boilover.

But Robinson heaped praise on Haas anyway - and no wonder.

In just his ninth NRL game Haas manhandled the ladder-leading Roosters pack, running 206m with six tackle busts and scoring an impressive 16th minute try.

Asked whether Haas should be considered for a NSW debut, Robinson said: "I've avoided all the Origin bit because that's not my job.

"But the boy is playing well, playing really well. There's something about him, isn't there?

"There's something about his stamina and his power and the mix of those two together."

NSW coach Brad Fittler needs to fill at least one vacancy in his Blues pack ahead of next month's State of Origin opener with Jack de Belin sidelined under the "no fault" stand down rules.

Fittler is reportedly monitoring the progress of Haas along with Roosters forwards Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Isaac Liu and Zane Tetevano.

After Haas dominated his Roosters rivals, Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold hinted that the youngster wouldn't look out of place in a Blues jersey.

"He caused the Roosters lots of troubles and created a fair bit of momentum for us," he said.

"He really led the way."

An Origin call-up would cap a remarkable rise for Haas who played a total of just 36 minutes in three NRL games last year before his debut season was cut short by a shoulder injury.

And he had a rocky start to 2019, missing the first four rounds due to suspension for failing to co-operate with an NRL integrity unit investigation.

But he has stood tall in his six games this year, averaging 172m and 64 minutes a match.

"He plays long minutes and been really consistent for us," Seibold said.

"He doesn't say too much, just goes about his business, but I like what he does and what he brings.

"I put him straight in there a few weeks ago (after suspension) because I believe in him."

Remarkably, Haas is racking up impressive numbers despite not eating between sunrise and sunset as part of his Ramadan fasting month that finishes on June 4.

"His beliefs, and we're very supportive of it, so we made some modifications during the week in and around his training programs," Seibold said.

"Payno makes a lot of sacrifices and we're 100 per cent behind him."

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