NSW coach Laurie Daley has confirmed that Payne Haas will be given until kick-off to demonstrate his fitness for the State of Origin opener, having missed training for three consecutive sessions. Despite this, the team’s medical staff remain optimistic that Haas will be ready to play on Wednesday night, following the players’ training session at Penrith.
Haas, who sustained a quad strain during a match against St George Illawarra, is widely regarded as one of the top props in the game. Although he has been temporarily separated from the team to undergo rehabilitation with the medical staff, NSW doctor Nathan Gibbs expressed confidence in Haas’s recovery. He clarified that the injury involved Haas’s lateral quad, which typically heals faster than more central quad strains.
Gibbs noted that Haas was able to run approximately 2.5 kilometres at around 70% intensity, a positive sign that he might resume full training before the match. He emphasised the importance of Haas’s ability to run, stating that without it, playing on Wednesday would have been doubtful.
In preparation for the match, the Blues engaged in a practice session against Ryde Eastwood, with Stefano Utoikamanu and Mitch Barnett taking the lead in the front row. Barnett highlighted Haas’s presence and impact, asserting that even if Haas isn’t at full fitness, his involvement would energise the team in the locker room.
Haas was absent from the early-morning training session at Blue Mountains Grammar School, but the Blues are scheduled to travel to Brisbane on Sunday for additional training at Ballymore, the Queensland Rugby training base, on Monday.