Superstar prop Payne Haas has opened up about his desire for NSW to reach the Origin summit, the tragedy behind his name and the family troubles he’s had to overcome in recent years in a wide ranging interview with Fox League’s Yvonne Sampson.
Haas is considered by many as the best prop in rugby league, and his play was duly rewarded with a massive contract extension from the Brisbane Broncos worth over $1 million a season.
After last season’s grand final heartbreak, Haas is hungry to atone and win a premiership with Brisbane. However, the proud New South Welshman is just as keen to help his state return to Origin supremecy.
Haas will again spearhead a Blues forward pack which will attempt to thwart the Maroons winning their fourth series in five years.
“It’s a bit frustrating because our NSW team is such a good team but we haven’t been able to perform,” Haas said.
“I feel like Madge (new coach Michael Maguire) is going to get the best out of us and we have to get this series win just to put some pride back in our jersey.
“Especially for the NSW fans. We lost for a while there – 8 years in a row – which really sucked growing up and we don’t really want that happening again.
“I feel like the connection is good at the Blues, but the big moments we lose. We just have to find a way to win those moments.”
Considering he plays for the Broncos, a NSW series loss is harder to swallow for Haas than those Blues players who represent Sydney-based NRL teams.
