Payne Haas says he’s fully fit and ready for a State of Origin recall, but concedes the thought of helping NSW seal the series is not at the forefront of his mind.
Having missed just four potential games for the Blues since his 2019, it was a rare feeling for the Brisbane Broncos enforcer to be watching from the comfort of his couch – admitting to feeling anxious right until the controversial send-off of Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga in the 57th minute on Wednesday night.
Haas had been ruled out of game one selection due to a knee injury in his club’s round seven clash with Wests Tigers, but has been named for his NRL comeback on Sunday against the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium.
While NSW got the job done and closed out a 22-20 triumph of the Maroons at the death, three of their tries came after Ponga was given his marching orders for what was deemed a shoulder charge by referee Ashley Klein on Tolu Koula. The decision has polarised pundits and fans, with many suggesting the incident was a head clash, despite Ponga failing to wrap his arms as he braced for collision.
No Blues forward surpassed 100 running metres on the night, while Newcastle prop Jacob Saifiti was not used.
But Haas insists his thoughts are on helping rescue the Broncos out of a three-game losing streak, rather than vying to join his state’s engine room for game two on June 17.
“I think I’ll just stay present here and worry about my footy here. Obviously, we’re in a bit of a slump at the moment, so I just want to get back to playing Broncos footy and try to get the win this week,” Haas said.
“You get what you deserve. When we get there [to game two selections] we’ll cross that bridge, but obviously playing for your state is always a blessing and it’s a huge honour.
“I was a bit nervous until KP got sent off, after that happened I was pretty confident. I’m just glad the boys got the win; they stuck tough and got the win, so that’s all that matters.”
While there was a small hope Haas could have been fit to return for the Broncos’ Magic Round clash with the Warriors, which took place the day before Origin selections, he said he was never going to be ready to perform at his best for NSW.
“I knew the extent of my injury and I had to be pretty cautious with it and make sure I’m right for the Broncos first and foremost. That’s my whole focus,” Haas said.
Haas makes his Brisbane comeback at a crossroads in their season, and at a time when they are starting to lighten what had become an overflowing casualty ward. Ahead of Magic Round, the Broncos had 13 players sidelined through injuries, suspensions and personal reasons, but Haas will be joined by Kotoni Staggs, Brendan Piakura, Grant Anderson and Jack Gosiewski as players who missed that Warriors’ defeat.
Haas believes the injury toll – one that now includes edge forward Jordan Riki, who has undergone foot surgery on a plantar fascia issue – was not at fault for the club’s slide, but rather their own ill-discipline had been their downfall.
But he was adamant he would be making his own return free of the concerns that hindered his season, and warned he would be back as a more intimidating presence than before.
“It’s been a blessing in disguise, to be honest, being injured – just sitting back, observing and having a look at where we can improve as a team and as an individual. I’ve been looking at myself and my own game, and obviously having that has been a blessing,” Haas said.
“I’m 100 per cent ready to go, I trained with the team fully the other day, so I’m ready to go, and I’m excited.”
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