Injury cloud no dampener for Haas in match-winning display

Blues prop Payne Haas led through the middle with aggression, conviction and plenty of physicality as his side schooled the Queensland Maroons in Game One of this year’s State of Origin series.

Haas entered camp with a quad complaint, but there was no sign of that as he laid the foundation for his team to trump the Maroons 18-6 in front of a near-record crowd of 52, 483 at Suncorp Stadium.

For Haas, there was no question in his mind that he would play.

“I was going to play, no matter what,” Haas said.

“I was just hoping we got the win to be honest. Us boys, we had a good week at training and I'm just real proud and privileged and blessed to be part of this group.

“We did captain’s run yesterday and got a bit nervous on the bus because I had limited preparation, but all of the boys had faith in me, and Laurie [coach Laurie Daley], and I just didn't want to let them down.

“I think we just enjoy playing for each other and the love we have for each other in this jersey, that matters.”

In his player of the match performance, Haas finished with 18 runs for 156 metres, three tackle breaks, 18 hit-ups and 30 tackles.

The Brisbane Broncos forward said all he did was his job.

“I was just doing my job… I love this jersey so much, I love these boys and I love playing for the people from New South Wales,” Haas said.

“And I just don't want to let down those people, especially people in Mid North Coast, with what’s been going on, I just really wanted to play for them too.

“Was good to get a win tonight for the Blues. I love playing here (at Suncorp Stadium), hostile environment… always a good to get a win here.”

Daley was in awe of what Haas was able to do.

“Payne’s injury, we weren’t sure with that,” Daley said post-game.

“Payne probably had a quarter of a session on the Monday and we did nothing on the Tuesday, so he hadn’t really trained… and then to push out the minutes and be strong the way he was, was great.”

Despite his stellar performance, Haas said there was room for improvement.

“I wouldn’t say I’m at the top of my game, but I feel like I'm improving a lot,” Haas said.

“Still lots of stuff to work on… I'm only 25, so still long way to go and we're still working.”

Haas noted it was important everyone went back to their clubs and worked hard, with the view of coming out stronger in Perth for Game Two.

“We know what Queensland do. They’re going to bounce back and we have to play better and be better next game because they’re going to be up for it,” Haas said.