True Blue Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach has declared Payne Haas a certain starter for the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues after the Broncos enforcer returned from suspension and turned in another stunning individual performance in Round 17 against the Panthers.
Haas recorded 181m and a whopping 61 tackles against the ladder-leaders to further push his claims for a return to the Origin arena after making his debut in Game One of last year's series.
The 20-year-old has arguably been the most consistent performer for an embattled Broncos side who have managed just one win since the competition’s return in May, prompting the departure of coach Anthony Griffin two weeks ago.
Roach has backed the barnstorming forward to make a welcome return for NSW in 2020 and believes he can have an even greater impact by playing alongside a star-studded line-up.
“I would start him 100%,” Roach told Behind Blue Eyes.
“He is a handful…imagine him surrounding himself with those guys that play for NSW. He will be even better.”
“If the Broncos had won 10 games in a row everyone would be talking about Payne Haas (even more).
“He’s been outstanding. He rolls his sleeves up week in and week out.
“He’s doing the exact same thing as he did when he debuted for NSW (last year).
Haas has recorded 15 appearances for the Broncos this year, averaging 180m and 45 tackles per game, and will look to guide his side to their fourth win of the season when they go head-to-head with Gold Coast Titans on Saturday.