Payne Haas, the unstoppable front-row powerhouse, has once again proven himself as a dominant force in the NRL, leading the Brisbane Broncos to a decisive 26-16 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday night, March 21, 2025. This electrifying match, held at Suncorp Stadium, highlighted Haas’ impressive agility and raw power, traits that have sparked discussions about his possible status as one of the greatest props in rugby league history.
Haas recorded a team-high 210 metres during the game, demonstrating his relentless drive and skill. His standout moment came when he bulldozed through the North Queensland defense to score a remarkable try, capping off what many observers described as a man-of-the-match performance. Commentators were quick to praise his extraordinary athleticism, with Dan Ginnane stating, “He’s not a man, he’s an animal,” in reference to Haas’ standout run that ultimately sealed Brisbane's victory.
Greg Alexander echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unique combination of speed and power that Haas possesses, stating, “You can’t accelerate through the very little space that there was. He just rips open the cowboy defence, what an athlete that man is.” This sentiment resonated throughout the stadium, filled with 45,318 fans who witnessed the action unfold.
Haas' recent performance not only elevates his status in the league but also sparked comparisons to legendary athletes, with some fans likening him to All Blacks great Jonah Lomu. Kevin Walters, the Broncos’ head coach, noted Haas' ability to consistently deliver despite the pressure, remarking, “He’s amazing isn’t he? He keeps delivering for the Broncos and that try that he scored, he looked like an outside back coming onto the ball.”
As Haas continues to evolve as a player, former player Michael Ennis remarked on his growing dominance within the game, stating, “What a player. It’s unfair. It’s actually unfair. He reminds me of when I used to play under-9s. He’s just the biggest, fastest person on the field.” Ennis believes that Haas has not yet shown his full potential and emphasized that his continuous development makes him even more imposing.
Social media buzzed with excitement following the match, reflecting the collective awe of fans. Comments ranged from “Payne Haas will go down as the greatest prop of all time,” to “Payne Haas is a monster.” This electric atmosphere was not solely due to Haas; the entire Broncos team performed admirably. Adam Reynolds, the 34-year-old Broncos skipper, also played a pivotal role in the victory. He showcased his experience by setting up a try and scoring one himself, while simultaneously moving to third place on the NRL’s all-time points scoring list, with a total of 2,378 points.
Reynolds' contribution was vital in turning the tide of the game, especially during a period where the Cowboys dominated possession. He orchestrated pivotal plays, including a crafty grubber that allowed back-rower Jack Gosiewski to score the first try, solidifying Brisbane's lead early in the match.
Despite a fierce effort from the Cowboys, who saw stellar performances from their starting props Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean, Brisbane maintained control and entered halftime with a 12-0 advantage. The Cowboys fought back in the second half, with Murray Taulagi scoring a try that momentarily leveled the score at 12-all following a relentless attack.
However, the Broncos' resilience was evident. With plays orchestrated by Reynolds and supporting efforts from fullback Reece Walsh, who despite a challenging performance made crucial contributions, the team surged ahead. Haas’ final try demonstrated his power, as he charged 30 metres unchallenged, underlining the evening's dominance.
Despite the focus on Haas and Reynolds, the Broncos’ win also came with some controversy regarding Walsh. The young fullback was put on report for a shoulder charge on Taulagi during the game, and while he received a $3,000 fine, he avoided suspension. This situation added a layer of drama to the already intense match.
Looking ahead, the Broncos secured their second victory of the season under coach Michael Maguire, who expressed his optimism for upcoming matches, particularly against the Dolphins next Friday, March 28, 2025. His faith in the team’s potential leadership, particularly in players like Haas and Reynolds, suggests that fans can expect exciting performances as the season progresses.
The NRL world remains in awe of Payne Haas—a player whose combination of strength, speed, and skill continues to redefine expectations for front-row forwards and ignite debates about his place in the sport's history.
