Broncos superstar Payne Haas has thrust himself in line for a shock injury comeback after being seen training strongly for the first time ahead of the club’s do-or-die Battle of Brisbane.
Despite coach Kevin Walters’ comment on Friday night that his marquee prop would be unlikely to recover from a foot issue in time to take on the Dolphins, the State of Origin giant ran with vigour in a short stint during an opposed session on Wednesday, albeit with the red “no-contact” bib on.
He has been named on the extended bench, having not played in the side’s past two clashes, with the squad to be cut 24 hours before kick-off.
Payne Haas could make a shock early return when the Broncos take on the Dolphins on Saturday.Credit: NRL Photos
Given that the Broncos, like the Dolphins, need to win on Saturday to keep their finals ambitions alive, the 24-year-old’s return could ignite a fourth-straight win over their cross-town rivals.
“He’s been training really well,” Broncos lock Pat Carrigan said. “I’m not sure if he’ll play – obviously that was his first little five-minute involvement in some skills, so we’ll see how he goes.
“But he’s the ultimate professional.
Battle of Brisbane casualty ward
Broncos
- Ezra Mam, syndesmosis (out for season)
- Reece Walsh, hand fracture (set for round 27 return)
- Payne Haas, Lisfranc (possible return round 26, expected round 27)
- Kobe Hetherington, concussion (return round 27)
- Jack Gosiewski, broken arm (return to be confirmed)
- Jock Madden, hamstring (return to be confirmed)
Dolphins
- Tom Gilbert, ACL (season)
- Tom Flegler, shoulder (season)
- Kodi Nikorima, concussion (round 27)
- Jesse Bromwich, concussion (round 27)
- Tevita Pangai Junior, hamstring (return to be confirmed)
- Max Plath, calf (uncertain if he will be fit for round 26)
- Ray Stone, neck (uncertain if he will be fit for round 26)
- Jeremy Marshall-King, foot fractures (likely round 27, possible round 26)
- Euan Aitken, pectoral (season)
“It was obviously just a bit of a reintroduction for him. I’m not really across it, but I think that was just his first day of skills.
“It’s Payne Haas, so you guys know for yourself watching [what he can do] … but there’s no pressure on him, he’s had that sort of injury, and we’re just looking for him to recover and get it right.