Loyalty, love and respect are the qualities Brisbane prop Payne Haas holds dear and why he has become the man he is today.
It’s the Samoan way and why he idolises Canberra prop Josh Papalii, who shares the same heritage.
It’s taken the 25-year-old time to shine on and off field. Wrong turns hampered him at the start of his stellar career but the Broncos stuck with him. He, in turn, intends to stick with them, win a premiership and stay at the club long-term after previously rejecting offers elsewhere, including from Melbourne.
Samoan international Papalii is nursing an ankle injury. Whether Haas plays against him or not in Sunday’s away elimination final with the minor premiers, the admiration for the Raider runs deep.
Father-of-four Papalii, known as ‘Papa’ or ‘Paps’, has also had his ups and downs off the field but stayed loyal to the Raiders, when other clubs came knocking.
Father-of-two Haas, who will play for Samoa for the first time next month, senses a kindred spirit.
“Being a Samoan kid, I’ve always looked up to Josh,” Haas said.
He’s come from nothing as well and he’s done it all. He’s a prop as well.
“I’ve got so much respect for Paps. I’m very proud of how he’s put our people on his back and really shone for us.
As young Samoan kids, our parents are real big on loyalty and love and respecting our elders as well. I feel like that’s in our households.”
Haas now has everyone’s respect after tough lessons
He was suspended three separate occasions at the start of his career – for not co-operating with a NRL Integrity Unit in 2019, for intimidating police in 2022 and then for an off-field spat with teammate Albert Kelly the following year. Ever since he’s been a clean skin.
“I wasn’t the best when I first came here,” he said.
“I got in a bit of trouble but I owe a lot to this club for the growth in me as a man and leader.
“They invested a lot of time in me. My circle kept supporting me when times got a bit dark but I’ve come out the other side and changed into a man.”
How has he done it?
“Treating people the same and just having lots of love and respect,” Haas said.
“That’s what my mum and dad instilled in us and what I live off.”
With both parents in jail, Haas is the legal guardian of younger brothers Hans and Geejay who live with him and partner Leilani. That’s where the love kicks in.
Footy is just a small part of my life.
“It’s more important to be able to show my brothers day-to-day how to be a man and be a good person.”
Haas has been linked to the R360 breakaway rugby competition but when asked about it, he said: “I don’t know what that is.”
His manager told AAP last week he would re-sign at Brisbane beyond 2026.
“I’ve had lots of cracks off the field and I feel these guys have helped me a lot. I owe a lot to the Broncos,” Haas said.
“I came through 20s with Patty Carrigan and I want to win the premiership. That’s my dream with these boys.
“We’ve got a great opportunity. I want to put all my eggs in one basket and go after it.”
Papa would be proud of him.
On Sunday, Haas just wants to rip and tear.
“You dream about playing in these big games, especially against a pack like that,” he said.
