‘It was hard at the time’: Payne Haas moves on from Kevin Walters’ exit, backs Michael Maguire to take Broncos back to the top

Broncos enforcer Payne Haas says it was “hard at the time” when Kevin Walters was let go by the club, but the representative forward says he’s already noticed a shift in attitude under Michael Maguire, who brought out Haas’s best while in Origin camp.

Haas made his NRL debut in 2018 but has already been coached by Wayne Bennett, Anthony Seibold, Peter Gentle and Walters at club level, with Maguire now calling the shots as Brisbane looks to bounce back from their horror 2024 campaign.

Maguire has a pretty simple philosophy and Haas says the young playing group has responded well to their new coach, who has raised standards already this pre-season.

“We’re a young group, but (he’s encouraged us) to be men and to speak to each other and be honest and upfront to each other,” Haas said at the Broncos and Kia full of kindness drive.

“All the boys are buying in and having a red hot crack, so it’s been good.

“I think we all will (embrace his coaching style). It’s been a good pre-season so far. It’s been tough, but all the boys are getting around each other and helping each other improve every day. That’s all that matters.

“(I’m confident about the direction we’re going) because I know what Madge is about, especially after having him in Origin.

“I know what he brings and I know what he expects of us players which makes it a bit easier to transition from coaches. I’ve been through three coaches now, so I’m used to it all.”

Maguire took Haas’s game to new heights during Origin where the powerhouse prop had been criticised for not stepping up in the past, and he hopes the former Blues boss can do more of the same for a Broncos side that failed to make the top eight.

The tireless forward was sad to see Walters sacked 12 months after they made a grand final but knows it’s pointless worrying about the past.

“It was hard at the time, but I can’t really dwell on that now,” he said.

“I’ve got to be in the present. I’ve got Madge here now and I’m really enjoying my time under Madge.

“I’ve got a lot of love for Kevvie and he knows that, but you can’t really hold onto the past. You’ve got to keep moving and be present.”

Haas only played 14 NRL games last season as he battled foot injuries that forced him to miss the Pacific Championships, but he’s resumed full training after making an early return to the rehab group along with Delouise Hoeter and Brendan Piakura.

That desire to return early is a sign of the changing attitudes at Red Hill where new recruit Ben Hunt has been backed to thrive in the halves, with Ezra Mam expected to miss the start of the season through suspension.

While the spine is exciting, Haas also talked up the young forward pack that struggled at times last year having lost Thomas Flegler, Kurt Capewell and Keenan Palasia from the side that made the 2023 decider.

“I’m confident. These boys have been ripping in all pre-season so far,” he said.

“It made me really confident over the past few weeks seeing these boys rip in and really improve in their footy, so I’m really confident heading into this season.”