Steve “Blocker” Roach, a legendary front-rower from NSW, has praised the current star of the Blues’ pack, Payne Haas, for his unparalleled work ethic. Roach, who played for Balmain and the Kangaroos in the 80s and 90s, noted, “I’ve never seen an engine like his in the front row.” After witnessing Haas dominate Queensland in the State of Origin opener, where he amassed 156 run metres from 18 carries and made 30 tackles in 58 minutes, Roach was left impressed. Despite playing with a quad strain, Haas was awarded man of the match, a rare honour for a front-rower, marking him as the 15th player in the 45-year history of State of Origin to achieve this.
Roach described Haas as “the new prototype” for front-rowers, highlighting his remarkable endurance and ability to maintain performance throughout the game. Mark Carroll, another NSW front-row great, echoed Roach’s praise, noting Haas’s unmatched work rate and skill, suggesting he possesses the talent to play in the outside backs.
Haas’s performance is not just notable for his physicality; he also demonstrates impressive skill in gameplay, evidenced by his recent record of three offloads in the State of Origin match, a statistic that surpasses other players on the field. His consistency in performance is remarkable, with averages of 145 run metres, 17 carries, and 34 tackles over his last six Origin matches. Carroll particularly noted Haas’s understanding of when to offload, a skill that differentiates him from many others.
With a history of dominant performances, including his debut in the 2020 series where he made an impressive impact, Haas’s potential future legacy is enticing. As a player still in the early stages of his career at age 25, comparisons are being made to iconic front-rowers like Glenn Lazarus. Roach believes Haas exhibits Lazarus’s tenacity and stamina during games.
As discussions continue about Haas’s place in rugby league history, Roach remarked on the possibility that Haas might one day be compared to the late Arthur Beetson, a noted rugby league Immortal. For now, Haas’s growing reputation as one of the most dynamic front-rowers in the game suggests that he has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.