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Frustrated Brisbane coach Kevin Walters is adamant the NRL club's culture has improved, playing down the latest Payne Haas incident as minor.
Testy Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has claimed the club's culture is sound, playing down Payne Haas's latest brush with the NRL's integrity unit as minor.
The Broncos aren't sure if the NSW Origin prop will be suspended ahead of Friday's clash with the Sydney Roosters, almost a week after footage of him in an off-field altercation with teammate Albert Kelly was released on social media.
Their scuffle, apparently sparked when Kelly stepped on Haas's shoes, came after the Broncos' second-straight win to begin the season.
It came to light on Sunday after a second-straight loss, with suspension a possibility for the pair after interviews were conducted midweek.
It is the third time Haas has been referred to the league's integrity unit, with fines and suspensions handed down in 2019 and 2021.
News cameras caught a Broncos trainer jokingly grab and punch Haas in jest later in the week and on Thursday Walters admitted he "doesn't think Payne did anything too wrong to be honest".
But the coach insists they're taking this incident seriously, aware of the attention the high-profile club attracts as they look to improve on two poor seasons.
"We're in the spotlight here at the Broncos, whether you like it or not and have to abide by all the rules like all the other clubs do," Walters said in a Thursday press conference that ended abruptly.
"It hasn't been a hectic week, it's been a week in rugby league, that's what it is.
"As a club we're very focused on where we're going, our culture, our playing group.
"There's going to be some minor hiccups here and there, we'll deal with them internally and get on with things.
"I wouldn't say it keeps happening; it's one or two incidents over 12 months and all clubs face these challenges, not just us."
Haas is the focus of Friday's clash regardless, given the tug-of-war between the clubs for his services.
Walters said he was worth the trouble as they looked to secure him on a long-term deal despite big-money interest elsewhere.
It's the return of Kurt Capewell that could prove key against the Roosters though, the Penrith recruit capable of organising their defence and setting a hard-working tone fellow recruit Ryan James admitted had been lacking in back-to-back losses.
Jordan Riki will also return from injury, while Kobe Hetherington will start for Pat Carrigan, who will miss four-to-six weeks with a knee injury.
"It's about our start and the aggression we start with," Walters said.
"The big thing for me is just holding the ball; when you continue to defend it doesn't matter who you are, it wears you down."
