Brisbane Broncos and Westpac NSW Blues prop Payne Haas is set to spend four to six weeks on the sideline following surgery to his right knee.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters said it was only “minor surgery” but it needed to be done as Haas had been troubled by the injury for some time. He wore strapping on his right knee for the first two NRL rounds.
“It will be a four-to-six-week injury as he’ll have to have minor surgery on his knee,” Walters told Fox League’s NRL 360.
“It just wasn’t right through the trials and into the rounds so the doctors have had a great look at him and they’re going to operate on him early next week.”
Haas would not be back playing until the Anzac Round if he needs the full six weeks.
But Walters said it was “a great result” because to lose Haas to a longer-term injury would not be ideal.
The 24 year-old, who was Dally M Prop of the Year in 2023, has already made 15 tackle busts in just two games, is running an average 161 metres, and has a 98.4% tackle efficiency rate.
He has been an integral part of the Westpac NSW Blues since his Origin debut in Game One 2019, with 11 matches so far.
The injury should not affect his availability for the 2024 Ampol State of Origin series, which begins at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Wednesday 5 June.
“Payno is one of those guys who’s the ultimate professional,” Walters said.
“I’d be surprised if he’s not back earlier than (six weeks) given the way he treats himself and treats his body.”
