Front-row Legends Praise ‘Next Level’ Payne Haas as NSW Powerhouse Charts Course for Greatness

Former NSW front-row great Steve “Blocker” Roach believes that Payne Haas, the current leader of the Blues’ pack, possesses an unparalleled work ethic among props he has ever witnessed.

“I’ve never come across a player with an engine quite like his in the front row,” Roach expressed in an interview with Wide World of Sports.

Roach, who made a significant impact as a powerful front-rower for Balmain, NSW, and the Kangaroos during the 1980s and 1990s, was left in awe as Haas dominated the Queensland side in the State of Origin opener on Wednesday night.

Over 58 minutes at Suncorp Stadium, the formidable Broncos prop amassed 156 running metres from 18 carries while also chalking up 30 tackles, sparking the Blues to an 18-6 victory.

For his outstanding performance, he entered an elite group by being awarded man of the match, becoming only the 15th front-rower in the 45-year history of State of Origin to earn this accolade.

This achievement came despite him playing with a quad strain heading into the match.

“He represents the new wave of prop forwards,” Roach commented further.

“His stamina is remarkable, coupled with a phenomenal ability to absorb hits and keep battling on.

“He maintains his pace from his initial run to his final carry without faltering.”

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However, as another NSW front-row luminary highlighted to Wide World of Sports following the first game, Haas’ extraordinary athleticism isn’t his only distinguishing feature.

“He’s equipped with the skills and agility to play in the outside backs,” remarked Mark Carroll, who had a stellar career during the 1980s and 1990s with South Sydney, Manly, NSW, and Australia.

Carroll, affectionately known as “Spudd”, also praised Haas’ incredible work rate.

“His work-rate is astonishing,” Carroll commented. “To me, he looks like he can carry on without a breath; I’d be gasping for air on the ground!”

Of the 15 props who have claimed man-of-the-match honours in Origin’s storied history, most have donned the blue jersey. Les Davidson (1987), Paul Harragon (1994), and Rodney Howe (1998) were the first three Blues props to achieve this feat. In later years, Luke Bailey (2003) and Willie Mason (2006) followed suit, alongside Andrew Fifita (2017) and Jake Trbojevic (2019). Paul Gallen has been recognised as man of the match on two occasions, in 2011 and 2014.

The first Maroons prop to earn the accolade was Sam Backo, achieving it twice during the 1988 series. Martin Bella also claimed it twice in 1989 and 1991, with Shane Webcke and Steve Price featuring in 1998 and 2005, respectively. More recently, Reuben Cotter and Lindsay Collins joined the ranks in 2023.

Notably, both Bailey and Collins were awarded their man-of-the-match recognitions while coming off the bench.

Haas marked his arrival on the Origin stage during game two of the 2020 series, asserting his place not just through his tough exchanges with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui but also by showcasing his ability on the field.

In his first starting role at just 20 years of age, he recorded 165 running metres from 17 carries and contributed 25 tackles over 49 minutes. No other forward from either NSW or Queensland matched his stats in run metres or carries in what turned out to be a 34-10 victory for the Blues.

His dominance has continued in the last six Origin matches, where he averaged 17 carries, 145 running metres, 34 tackles, and 56 minutes of play.

In each of those encounters, he has surpassed all other front-rowers in carries, and in five of them, he has outperformed every other forward in that regard.

Haas has logged more minutes on the field than any other props in three out of those six matches. The only prop who surpassed him in this category during those games was Reuben Cotter, who tends to play more as a back-rower and is therefore expected to log significant minutes.

Carroll also acknowledged Haas’ prowess in passing and offloading.

“His skill set is on a whole new level,” he added.

“He demonstrates a good sense of when to pass and when not to pass. Anyone can make a pass; you just have to know the right moment to do so.”

“He makes 10 metres and then offloads it,” Carroll said.

During Wednesday’s match, Haas delivered three offloads, surpassing all other players on the field. He has consistently averaged three offloads per game across his last five Origin outings.

“He’s a tough opponent to handle,” Carroll commented.

Kevin Walters, who played alongside legendary front-rower Glenn Lazarus at the Broncos and later coached Haas in his tenure, has previously compared Haas to “The Brick With Eyes” during an episode of Nine’s 100% Footy in 2021.

Having scrummaged alongside Lazarus in the Origin arena, Roach concurs with this comparison.

“Lazarus had the stamina to play for extended periods and possessed the quickest play-the-ball I’ve ever seen from a big man,” Roach stated.

“While every player is unique, if I had to compare him to someone, it would be Glenn Lazarus.”

At just 25, Haas’ legacy is still unfolding. The thought of where he may stand when his playing days are behind him is a daunting one.

Lazarus has suggested that one day, Haas could be revered in the same light as Arthur Beetson.

The late “Big Artie” is revered as one of 14 rugby league Immortals and was celebrated in 2008 as part of the front row in the Australian Rugby League Team of the Century.

“In my opinion, the finest front-rower ever was the legendary Arthur Beetson,” Roach articulated.

“Haas might not be at that echelon yet, but who knows? My perspective could shift once he concludes his career.”