Payne Haas was a notable absentee from New South Wales' opening training session in the Blue Mountains, raising fresh doubts over his fitness just one week out from State of Origin I.
The powerhouse prop, who picked up a quad injury during Brisbane’s loss to the Dragons on Sunday, didn’t take part in Wednesday morning’s wet-weather session at Blue Mountains Grammar School.
Haas remained on the sidelines in a hoodie, watching his teammates train briefly before returning to the dressing rooms.
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According to The Age reports, Blues coach Laurie Daley and the medical staff are managing the injury cautiously, with Haas expected to be given until game day to prove his fitness.
‘He’s just built different, that guy’
Despite concerns, the Blues camp remains quietly confident. Scans earlier this week revealed a minor tear, and team officials believe the 25-year-old can recover in time for the Suncorp Stadium opener.
Zac Lomax, who returned from a foot injury last weekend, backed Haas to be ready: “Payne will be sweet,” he said. “He’s come in yesterday, and he’ll be sweet.”
“He’s up there, I mean his engine is unbelievable for a bloke that’s 120kg. It’s very admirable the way that he goes about his ways. He’s just an athlete.”
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Winger Brian To’o, who doesn’t usually have to contend with props, still knows what Haas brings: “He is such a big body and hard to take down,” To’o said. “I can’t really say anything because I don’t have to tackle him. But just watching from the side, watching all the boys try and tackle him, there are always four bodies or five.”
“He’s just built different, that guy. His mindset and his attitude towards making sure he is doing everything he can to make sure he is ready for the team next week—it’s pretty cool to see.”
New South Wales will train again on Thursday and Saturday before flying to Brisbane, with a final call on Haas likely to come early next week.