The game’s number one prop Payne Haas has declared he’s fit and raring to go as the Broncos set out to avenge the heartbreaking 2023 grand final loss to the Nathan Cleary-inspired Panthers.
“We have got no fear,” Haas said ahead of today’s preliminary final showdown at Suncorp Stadium, despite a poor record against the four-time reigning premiers who have won their past five games against Brisbane, and nine of the last ten.
Haas is one of nine Broncos players who were part of the 2023 season decider, but is confident things will be very different in 2025.
“It was pretty hard to take that one (the grand final loss)—and I think last year it did affect us a bit,” Haas admitted.
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“But we’re such a different team with Madge (Michael Maguire) and we’ve moved on from that now,” he continued.
“If you look at the players we’ve got, that gives me lots of confidence in myself and I know it gives confidence to everyone here.”
Already one of the most tireless forward leaders in the NRL, Haas will be asked to shoulder an even greater load in the absence of suspended Maroons Origin star Pat Carrigan.
It’s a physical challenge the 25-year-old says he’s ready for, despite managing persistent injuries throughout the season and an ankle complaint against the Raiders in week one of the finals.
“It’s helped having that week off, I’m feeling fresh, I’m all good.”
Brisbane host the Panthers at a sold out Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon with kick off at 4.05pm. The winner will take on the Storm in next Sunday’s NRL grand final in Sydney.