Billy Walters confirms that both Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs will be available to play in the upcoming match against the Roosters.

The Broncos are gearing up to field their strongest lineup since round one, as both Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs are anticipated to be in the starting lineup for the clash against the Roosters on Friday night. Concerns arose when both players sustained injuries during Thursday’s training session.

Haas experienced discomfort in his knee and had to leave the training session early, while Staggs also faced a knee issue. Haas, who had recently returned to the team after undergoing minor knee surgery earlier in the season, was seen with his right knee taped up on Thursday and engaged in light running on the sidelines before heading indoors at Broncos headquarters.

However, on Friday morning, Billy Walters provided reassurance, stating that both players are likely to play against the Roosters. Walters explained that they simply required additional warm-up time due to the nature of the Captain’s Run being a brief and light session, typically lasting about 20 to 25 minutes.

 

Pictured Payne Haas left and Spencer Leniu right
Both Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs are set to play against the Roosters on Friday night in what is sure to be a heated encounter. Image: Getty
“They’re both quite professional individuals, so their absence during the session wasn’t a major concern. What matters is that they’re ready to perform tonight, and if they are, we’ll be in good shape.” Walters acknowledged the potential impact of having Payne Haas sidelined, noting that Ben Te Kura, also known as Big Benny, is a formidable replacement. “He’s possibly even larger than Payne, so it’s a formidable prospect.”

On Thursday, coach Kevin Walters emphasized that both Haas and Staggs would be given ample opportunity to recover and play. “Payne wasn’t feeling too great this morning, but we’ll assess his condition tomorrow,” remarked Broncos coach Kevin Walters.

 

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Payne Haas takes on the defence during a Brisbane Broncos NRL training session at Clive Berghofer Field on April 30, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Haas only returned to the Broncos side last week after having minor surgery on his right knee earlier in the season. (Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images)
“We’ll assess Payne’s fitness right up until kick-off, prioritizing his well-being above all else. If he’s not fully fit, he won’t be taking the field. However, if he’s deemed fit and prepared, he’ll definitely be in the lineup. He’s been experiencing some issues with his knee, so we’re cautious, especially considering it’s still early in the season.

Kotoni has also had some ups and downs, with lingering concerns. He was feeling a bit sore today and didn’t participate much in training. We’ll monitor his condition closely leading up to game day. Nevertheless, he’s a tough player, so we’ll see how he’s feeling on the day. As for Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo, they’ll be back in action after missing last week’s match due to respective finger and shoulder injuries, which will be a welcome boost for the team.”

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Kotoni Staggs of the Broncos runs the ball during the round two NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, on March 14, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Kotoni Staggs has been struggling with a knee injury but is expected to line up against the Roosters on Friday. (Chris Hyde via Getty Images)

Payne Haas emphasizes that despite the heightened emotions surrounding their upcoming match against the Roosters, the Brisbane players remain focused on their job. This game marks the first encounter since the Spencer Leniu racism incident, which resulted in Leniu’s suspension for calling Mam a derogatory term in Las Vegas. While Leniu will be absent from the Roosters’ lineup due to his ban, tensions between the teams persist.

In the aftermath of the incident, there was a verbal confrontation between the teams at their hotel in the US. As the anticipation builds for Friday night’s clash, there’s an underlying tension between the clubs. However, Haas assures that the Broncos’ players are determined not to let their emotions overshadow their performance on the field.

“I don’t foresee it being a problem,” Haas stated. “I wasn’t present during the incident in the Vegas corridor, so I can’t speak to what occurred or if there’s any lingering animosity. However, I believe any issues have been resolved.

“Our team is adept at handling these situations; we understand it’s simply another football game. It’s bound to be physical regardless, so the past history doesn’t hold much significance for us.”