Broncos, Blues suffer major blow as Payne Haas knee scan confirms injury to rule him out of Origin opener
Updated . First published
The Broncos and the NSW Blues have been hit with a major blow after prop Payne Haas' knee injury was on Monday confirmed to be a grade three MCL tear.
Haas was injured in the Broncos' thrilling one point win over Wests Tigers on Saturday, and is expected to be sidelined for approximately six to eight weeks. The star will now definitely miss the first game of the State of Origin series on May 27.
Haas came off the field in the first half of their thrilling 21-20 win over the Tigers with the injury picked up in a tackle. The prop made a run up the middle of Campbelltown Stadium and three Tigers defenders struggled to bring him down.
READ MORE: Dragons crisis deepens as Su'A sent off for 'dirty' hit in latest loss
READ MORE: Warriors star tears up old club before late scare
READ MORE: Dawson's emotional reaction as crowd pays tribute to late brother
From the ground, Royce Hunt then grabbed at Haas' legs and he fell, with the weight of three men forcing his knee to bend awkwardly.
Haas stayed on the ground in clear discomfort, before eventually getting up to play the ball. He stayed on the field and tried to run it off, but his movement was restricted and he came off shortly after.
Payne Haas suffered a suspected knee injury in the first half against the Tigers. FOX Sports
"Oh no … right knee. A crumpled figure," Fox Sports called Andrew Voss said as Haas lay on the ground.
Panthers legend Greg Alexander said Haas saying down is concerning in itself.
"You don't often see that … just got that knee bent on the inside," he said.
Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
"Fingers crossed here."
Just before half time, Fox Sports sideline reporter Tiana Penitani Gray confirmed Haas had been ruled out for the remainder of the clash.
In a see-sawing match, the Broncos took an 18-14 lead into the second half, and threatened to run away with it in the second half but made several crucial errors.
The Tigers drew level when Api Koroisau scored in the 54th minute, before Adam Doueihi's conversion put them in front.
The match was locked up again when Adam Reynolds slotted a penalty goal in the 67th minute. He kicked what turned out to be the winning field goal minutes later.
The Broncos had the chance to ice it proper when Josiah Karapani crossed, only for the play to be called back for a forward pass.
In front of a parochial sold-out crowd at Campbelltown, the Broncos somehow managed to keep the Tigers out and hold on for their fourth win of the season.
