Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Payne Haas says it is difficult to focus solely on State of Origin while Brisbane's NRL premiership defence continues to unravel, admitting he feels "hopeless" watching the Broncos' struggles from inside the New South Wales camp. The Blues prop arrived in Kingscliff on Tuesday ahead of next week's Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium, with Brisbane sitting 13th on the ladder after seven consecutive defeats.
The Broncos' losing streak stretches back to April, leaving the reigning premiers in danger of missing the finals just one season after claiming the title.
If Brisbane loses to Cronulla this weekend and Parramatta defeats Manly, the Broncos will finish the round in 16th place.
Haas feeling the pain from afar
Haas is the only Broncos player selected for the New South Wales squad after teammate Kotoni Staggs was omitted following the Blues' heavy defeat in Game Two.
Queensland representatives Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan remain with the Maroons, leaving Brisbane without several of its biggest stars during a critical stage of the NRL season.
Despite preparing for one of the biggest matches on the rugby league calendar, Haas admitted his club's form remains on his mind.
"It's pretty hard coming into camp knowing we're in the kind of form we are," Haas said.
"You obviously want to help the brothers there, because that's who you bleed with since November."
"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."
Young talent joins Blues camp
The Blues have invited several emerging players into camp as training members ahead of the Origin decider.
Haas' younger brother Klese Haas, who has impressed with the Gold Coast Titans this season, is among those joining the squad.
Canterbury halfback Lachie Galvin, Sydney Roosters utility Hugo Savala, Melbourne's Tyran Wishart and Titans rookie Zane Harrison have also been brought into camp during the week.
Haas believes the experience will be invaluable for his brother.
"To come into this camp will be great for him in his growth as a footy player and a person," he said.
Suncorp challenge awaits
Next week's decider will be one of Haas' final Origin appearances before beginning a new chapter with South Sydney in 2027 after agreeing to reunite with former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.
The move means Haas is expected to receive a hostile reception when he next returns to Brisbane in club colours.
However, the Blues enforcer believes nothing compares to representing New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium.
"It's not the same, to be honest, in an NRL game," Haas 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."
New South Wales will attempt to secure the State of Origin series when the decider kicks off in Brisbane next Wednesday, while Brisbane faces an equally important clash against Cronulla as the Broncos fight to keep their finals hopes alive.
