Payne Haas Ruled Out of Cowboys Clash Due to Injury
The Brisbane Broncos have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their highly anticipated clash with the North Queensland Cowboys, as star prop Payne Haas has been officially ruled out due to injury. The powerhouse forward, widely regarded as one of the NRL’s most dominant front-rowers, suffered a minor but concerning issue during training earlier in the week, and medical staff have since confirmed he will not be available for Saturday’s derby.
Haas, who has been in superb form throughout the season, pulled up sore during a contact session on Tuesday. Initial hopes suggested that he might recover in time, but follow-up scans revealed inflammation that made participation too risky. While the injury is not considered long-term, the Broncos have opted to rest him as a precaution, prioritizing his health over the short-term gain of a single fixture.
The timing of Haas’ absence is particularly frustrating for the Broncos, as their matchup with the Cowboys is always one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in the NRL. Fans often mark it as a highlight of the season, and having one of the competition’s most influential forwards sidelined inevitably changes the dynamics of the contest. Without Haas’ explosive carries, defensive steel, and tireless work rate, Brisbane will need others to step up in the forward pack.
Head coach Kevin Walters addressed the media on Thursday, confirming Haas’ withdrawal while expressing confidence in the depth of his squad. “It’s disappointing for Payne and for the team, but we won’t take unnecessary risks,” Walters said. “We’ve got a long season ahead, and the last thing we want is to aggravate the injury. We’ve got capable players who are ready to step up, and we trust them to do the job this weekend.”
The absence of Haas will place increased responsibility on the shoulders of fellow forwards Patrick Carrigan and Thomas Flegler. Carrigan, the Broncos’ vice-captain, is expected to lead the charge through the middle, bringing his trademark intensity and leadership. Meanwhile, young talents such as Xavier Willison and Keenan Palasia may see more game time as the club seeks to maintain its physical dominance in the forward battle.
For the Cowboys, Haas’ absence is undoubtedly welcome news. The prop has often been a thorn in their side, consistently bending the defensive line and creating second-phase opportunities for the Broncos’ playmakers. Without him, North Queensland will likely feel they have a better chance of controlling the ruck and asserting their own physical presence.
Despite this setback, the Broncos remain determined to continue their strong form. With playmakers Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam guiding the attack, Brisbane will still pose a significant threat. Walters emphasized the need for discipline and execution, noting that rivalry games often come down to which team handles the big moments better.
Haas himself took to social media to reassure fans, expressing his disappointment but vowing to return stronger. “Gutted to miss this one, especially against the Cowboys,” he wrote. “But it’s the right call. I’ll be back soon—thanks to all the fans for the support.”
The decision to rest Haas also reflects the Broncos’ broader ambition this season. With finals football in mind, the club is focused on managing workloads and avoiding unnecessary setbacks. Haas is too important to their campaign to risk aggravating an injury for the sake of a single match, even one as emotionally charged as the Queensland derby.
As Saturday approaches, the spotlight will shift to how the Broncos adapt without their enforcer. The clash with the Cowboys remains one of the NRL’s showcase fixtures, and while Haas’ absence is a blow, it also presents an opportunity for others to step into the void and prove their worth. For Brisbane fans, the hope is that their team can rise to the challenge, deliver a statement performance, and keep their momentum alive in the race for premiership glory.
