NSW Blues prop Payne Haas has conceded it is a “hopeless” feeling entering State of Origin camp while his Brisbane Broncos side endures a dramatic freefall, with the reigning premiers’ premiership defence hanging by a thread.
Haas carries Broncos burden into Blues camp
With Kotoni Staggs dropped after NSW’s game-two thrashing, Haas is the only Broncos player representing the 13th-placed side in the Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday. Brisbane, losers of seven consecutive games since April, risk becoming the first team since 2006 to miss the finals the year after winning the premiership.
“It’s pretty hard coming into camp knowing we’re in the kind of form we are,” Haas told reporters on Tuesday as he entered Blues camp in Kingscliff, northern NSW. “You obviously want to help the brothers there, because that’s who you bleed with since November (pre-season). To not be there, and just watch from the sidelines, you feel pretty hopeless. But I’ve got all the confidence in them to get the job done this week and keep our season alive.”
Galvin joins Blues as training player
Much-discussed Canterbury halfback Lachie Galvin has been added to the Blues camp as a training player ahead of the decider. He joins a group including Haas’ brother Klese (Gold Coast), Sydney Roosters utility Hugo Savala, Melbourne’s Tyran Wishart, and Titans rookie Zane Harrison, who will rotate through the Kingscliff camp.
“To come into this camp will be great for him in his growth as a footy player and a person,” Haas said of his brother Klese.
Broncos’ slide continues
Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan are lining up for Queensland, leaving Brisbane short of marquee talent as they fight to break a seven-game losing streak. If they lose to Cronulla on Saturday and Parramatta beats Manly the next day, the reigning premiers will finish the weekend in 16th spot on the ladder.
Haas faces hostile Suncorp return
Haas, who will leave Brisbane at season’s end to reunite with former coach Wayne Bennett at South Sydney, acknowledged the unique hostility of Origin at Suncorp. “It’s not the same, to be honest, in an NRL game,” he said. “It’s a different ball game when you’re in a Blues jersey against Suncorp with all the Maroons people yelling at you, giving it to you. It’s very hostile and it’s very different.”
