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Teenage Haas drives Broncos to big NRL win

3 minute read

He's 19 and his NRL career is just 16 games in but Brisbane's Payne Haas is making elite-level performances his usual standard.

PAYNE HAAS
PAYNE HAAS Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Even Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold sometimes has to stop and remember Payne Haas is still a teenager.

The 19-year-old Broncos forward was at his barnstorming best in Thursday's 28-6 win over Canterbury, bulldozing his way to 204 run metres in a dynamic performance.

It says a lot about just how talented the prop is that his performance was almost as expected as it was influential.

"He played three games last year for the club and every one of those games he had limited minutes. You can't say he was a first-grader last year," Seibold said.

"He's only 19, he's going to continue to get better but he's consistent and that's what I like about him. You know what you're going to get every single week.

"The difference between his best and his worst, in this early part of his career, is really minimal."

Haas's season started in difficult circumstances, forced to serve a four-match club ban after failing to cooperate with the NRL's integrity unit.

That interrupted start is long forgotten however with 13 matches for the Broncos under his belt this year and a NSW State of Origin debut to boot.

Haas is averaging 166 run metres a game and has made 51 tackle busts this year - both figures are the highest numbers for the Broncos in those categories.

Seibold refused to go so far as to say Haas is the best prop for his age that he's seen but he clearly knows he's got a very special player on his hands.

He's also excited to see just how good Haas can become as his career develops.

"He's outstanding ... the experience he's going to get for next year and the year after is invaluable."

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