Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has scuppered suggestions Payne Haas could be released early to South Sydney before June 30, after naming the NSW prop captain against the Sydney Roosters. Haas will join the Rabbitohs next season, but Maguire rejected a reported inquiry about an immediate release.
“No. No chance. Basically Payne has invested everything into this year,” Maguire said. “He’s in my office, he’s working hard with the leaders.”
The Broncos have lost six games straight, but Maguire stated “this group is well and truly alive” ahead of Friday’s clash. Appointing Haas captain in Adam Reynolds’ absence was “an easy decision.”
“He is hungry as. He loves the club and we know he’s leaving at the end… but he also has a massive passion for what the club has done for him,” Maguire said. “I don’t look to the future. We are looking at now.”
Maguire said he believes fullback Reece Walsh can spark a finals run and praised veteran Ben Hunt, who steps in at No.7.
“We all know he loves playing seven… He said, ‘Madge, wherever I can play, I’ll play’,” Maguire said of Hunt. “Now gets the opportunity to play seven.”
Source: Australian Associated Press
