'Long way to go': MVP Haas delivers Origin warning
NSW expect to find a new level after Payne Haas played an "inspirational" hand, on one leg, to power the Blues within reach of back-to-back State of Origin series wins.
Carrying a quadriceps complaint, the Brisbane prop entered camp in doubt for Wednesday's series opener against Queensland.
He barely trained but then bashed the Maroons in a first-half clinic that set up their 18-6 victory.
It was a margin that flattered Queensland, considering Nathan Cleary (0-3) and Zac Lomax (0-1) missed all four try conversions attempts.
Haas (140 run metres, 18 runs, three tackle breaks, three offloads, 29 tackles) led a pack that set the tone in a dominant first half before hanging tough in a scrappy second half.
"I got a bit nervous on the bus, but all the boys showed faith in me," the Broncos prop said of his mental state after managing his leg complaint.
Haas is only 25 but has already played 15 Origins after debuting in 2019.
"I'm just doing my job; I love this jersey so much. I love these boys and love playing for the people of New South Wales," he said.
"I've just watched it (Origin) since I was a kid, just love this jersey .
"But I wouldn't say I'm at the top (of my game). I'm only 25, long way to go and still working."
Not since 2006 have the Blues won three consecutive Origin games, two of those coming in Brisbane while the hosts scored just one try in total.
Haas expects Maroons coach Billy Slater to respond in Perth, where the Blues can seal the series at a venue they've dominated at in the only two previous visits.
"We know what Queensland do; they're going to bounce back," he said.
"We'll have to prepare better and be better next game cause they're going to be up for it."
Coach Laurie Daley was in awe of Haas' ability to perform despite his poor preparation.
"Yeah for a big bloke on limited prep; a 10-day prep with hardly any running," he said.
"To jump out on the ground and do what he did, it's inspirational, actually."
First-time captain Isaah Yeo (five tackle breaks in 13 runs) is awaiting the next move from the Maroons, who will mull their selection options, in Perth.
"We should get some confidence out of it, anytime you win in this arena," he said of their Brisbane win.
"Another week in camp, I find the games are better and there's a bit more thrown at you in games two and three.
"But there's areas in our game that we can get better at
"You don't want to play the perfect footy and have nothing to fall back on. It's a long way to go."
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Sydney Morning Herald
an hour ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
The King delivers as Dragons' new faces step up against clunky Knights
Moments before kick-off, in a bid to rev up the faithful and celebrate St George Illawarra's invitation to Vegas, an Elvis impersonator did his thing. When Elvis left the building, the real 'King' strutted onto Nestrata Jubilee Stadium. Clint Gutherson may only be 11 games into his Dragons stint, but already he has given the Red V a slew of hits and memories. Against a form fullback – Fletcher Sharpe again deputised for Kalyn Ponga, whose ankle pulled up sore after State of Origin – Gutherson again left his mark. The former Parramatta captain scored a try and led from the front as the Red V climbed into sixth spot on the ladder with a 20-6 win over Newcastle. 'He has been fantastic all year with his leadership and encouragement, he's been great,' said Dragons coach Shane Flanagan. There were many other contributors. Damien Cook, another veteran with a point to prove, showed all his wile and deception with a hand in the first three tries. Jaydn Su'A scored a try but came off with a syndesmosis injury that effectively ended hopes of a call-up for Origin II. The new faces also played their part. Nathan Lawson, whose background consists of rugby sevens and an Olympic Games, looked at home on debut. The winger ran hard and finished as one of the game's top metre-eaters. Then there's Loko Pasifiki Tonga, a 123kg giant just shy of two metres. When he stormed towards the tryline from close range, only one outcome was possible. Another 'King', Lyhkan King-Togia, has also shown early promise in the halves. Not that they were up against much. Newcastle scored a solitary try and otherwise never looked likely. The two forwards who combined for that rare highlight, Leo Thompson and Kai Pearce-Paul, are heading for the exit out. Just over a week ago, coach Adam O'Brien said he had the full support of the board. What he really needs is the support of his players. They appear to suffer from a lack of imagination with the football; it's hard to believe this was the same side that blew the premiers off Carrington Park in the opening half last week. 'In this battle, we lost to the scheduling and the draw,' O'Brien said of his decision to rest Ponga. 'Someone has to play Friday night, I get that, but then they give us next Thursday as well. 'It would have been three games in eight days. That's not looking after our players. I had to step in and look after them … Whoever does the draw hasn't lived it or doesn't care. I don't know which one it is … it's ridiculous.' This is a side that can't wait until next year for Dylan Brown. With the June 30 transfer deadline approaching, the decks need to be shuffled to accommodate him early. yesterday 9.57pm Full-time stats snapshot: Red V on top across the board yesterday 9.49pm Dragons have learnt their lessons, Knights need Brown ASAP yesterday 9.48pm Full-time: Dragons too good for Ponga-less Newcastle And that ends a match that was pretty much decided some time ago, the Dragons earning a comfortable 20-6 win over a Newcastle side that once again looks like a genuine wooden spoon contender – despite last week's win over Penrith. The win pushes St George Illawarra up to sixth place on the NRL ladder for now, an excellent result at the halfway point of the season. yesterday 9.45pm Holmes lets try slip through his grasp Lovely stuff here from the Dragons, Kyle Flanagan jabbing in a well-weighted grubber for a fast-chasing Valentine Holmes. But replays show Holmes spilled the ball before grounding it, and the try is disallowed. They've left plenty of points on the table tonight but are still going to win this one easily. With the game gone the Knights are finally throwing the ball around a bit here, reaching the Dragons' 10-metre line on the last tackle, but that last tackle play ends with a half-hearted Dylan Lucas grubber straight into the legs of a St George Illawarra defender. Kind of sums up their night really. Dragons 20, Knights 6 with two minutes left yesterday 9.36pm Newcastle score at last through Kai Pearce-Paul We have a Knights try! The visitors break their scoring drought through an unlikely combination, with front-rower Leo Thompson making a weaving run across field to the right, then going to the line and flicking a pass away for second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to crash over. It's almost certainly too little too late for Newcastle, but at least they have something on the board. Dragons 20, Knights 6 with 10 minutes left yesterday 9.32pm Red V come up just short, twice Toby Couchman, back from injury and a late inclusion in the starting side for the Dragons tonight, goes oh-so-close to crashing over for the Dragons' fourth try of the evening but it stopped by a strong try-saving tackle from Mat Croker. The hosts then force a dropout, and get a scrum feed when Newcastle's Fletcher Hunt tries to regain Fletcher Sharpe's kick but puts it down. The Dragons go oh-so-close again when a backline shift to the right ends with a diving Tyrell Sloan dropping the ball over the line. It's been that kind of night. We've had a string of cracking Friday night footy games of late, but this hasn't been one of them. yesterday 9.27pm Holmes kicks Dragons more than three converted tries clear And that might just about do it. An offside penalty against Jayden Brailey – he was out of play in front of a Newcastle play-the-ball, then came back and received an offload – gives St George Illawarra a penalty right in front of the goal-posts and Valentine Holmes slots over the goal for another two points. If scoring three tries looked unlikely for this Knights outfit, scoring four times looks impossible. Dragons 20, Knights 0 with 17 minutes left yesterday 9.24pm Holmes bone-cruncher ends Knights' attacking raid Now the Knights are starting to make an impact in attack at last. James Schiller makes a break down the right and throws a pass back inside for Dane Gagai, who is grabbed a little early by a Dragons chase. Penalty Knights. Can they do something this set? Nope. Valentine Holmes produces a crunching tackle on Jack Cogger, popping the ball loose, and it's a turnover. yesterday 9.22pm Where did last week's attacking Knights go?
7NEWS
3 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien blasts ‘ridiculous' NRL draw after 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra
Adam O'Brien has hammered the NRL's draw as 'ridiculous', accusing the game's administrators of handicapping Newcastle after Knights captain Kalyn Ponga sat out his side's 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side, who are sat 14th with just four wins from 12 games, had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. 'In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw,' O'Brien said. 'Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). 'I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. 'But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. 'You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous.' Newcastle's loss to the Dragons followed an encouraging win over Penrith a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. Newcastle are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face Manly next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. 'I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck,' O'Brien said. 'You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). 'We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline.'
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
The Last Say: Tips, inside mail for Eagle Farm, Rosehill, Caulfield and more on Saturday, May 31, 2025
Trainer Chris Waller can set an all-time record for most Group 1 wins in a season at Eagle Farm today. The Hall of Fame trainer has already prepared 18 big-race winners this season – including seven majors with champion mare Via Sistina – to equal the record he set in 2018-19 when the mighty Winx was having her final season of racing. Waller gets an opportunity to set a new national record with $3 favourite Joliestar or stablemate Democracy Manifest ($51) in the Group 1 $1 million Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m). But if Waller misses out in the feature sprint, he could have as many as four starters in the Group 1 $1 million Queensland Derby (2400m) with Belle Detelle ($6), Imperialist ($19) and Existential Bob ($41), plus emergency Liberty Park ($101). The Derby favourite at $5.50 is the Emma-Lee and David Browne -trained Statuario who comes off a last start second in the South Australian Derby behind Femminile. The other feature race at Eagle Farm is the Group 2 $1 million BRC Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) with the Team Hawkes -trained colt Gallo Nero at $4.20. At Rosehill Gardens, the feature race is the Listed $200,000 Lord Mayor's Cup (2000m) with trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald saddling up five starters and all are imports – Don Diego De Vega ($7.50), Shahzad ($11), Double Cherry ($19), Sir Chartwell ($26) and Mormona ($51). The Ciaron Maher -trained Glory Daze has firmed into Cup favouritism at $4.60 and is on the back-up after last week's tough win at Royal Randwick. At Caulfield, all eyes will be on the Listed $175,000 Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m), for which the Grahame Begg -trained Niance is a $2.50 favourite as she returns to the track for the first time in almost seven months. â– â– â– â– â– ROSEHILL GARDENS Weather: Cool, mostly sunny day and a forecast top temperature of 19c. Track: Heavy (9). Rail: True. EAGLE FARM Weather: Mild, cloudy day with a high chance of showers and a forecast top temperature of 21c. Track: Soft (6). Rail: True. CAULFIELD Weather: Cool, partly cloudy day with a forecast top temperature of 16c. Track: Good (4). Rail: 8m out. MORPHETTVILLE Weather: Cool, mostly sunny day and a forecast top temperature of 19c. Track: Soft (6). Rail: 10m out from 1200m to the winning post. 🚨TAB Track Report 🚨 The latest on the Rosehill Gardens track ahead of Lord Mayors Cup Day. @racing_nsw | @tabcomau | @SkyRacingAU | @7horseracing 🎟ï¸�Tickets: â›…ï¸� Weather Tracker: — Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) May 29, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– BE WARY Rosehill's track surface has been rated a heavy 9 for most of the week although no rain has fallen since Monday. With mild, sunny weather forecast, there is some chance of an upgrade but the track should stay in the heavy range. Eagle Farm's track is a soft 6 but much will depend on how much rain does fall during the day. Anything from 7 to 40mls is forecast which will obviously impact the track rating. Stay on weather watch and also study the early Eagle Farm races for any track bias. Caulfield is on a good 4 surface but the rail is out 8m so it may favour those on speed. â– â– â– â– â– ROSEHILL GARDENS TIPS BEST BET: Race 7 No.10 KERGUELEN is a promising Godolphin sprinter resuming after six months. He has not missed a top two finish in five starts, winning twice, including his runaway win on debut at Kembla nearly a year ago when he put 10 lengths on his chasing rivals in heavy going. He also won at Warwick Farm in heavy going that same preparation. Trainer James Cummings has given Kerguelen two very easy trials to prepare for his comeback, the most recent when he was kept under a tight hold before finishing a close sixth to Angel Capital on the Polytrack at Warwick Farm. He handles wet tracks and sprints well fresh. That was impressive! ðŸ'� Kerguelen gets his second win at start three for @godolphin ðŸ'µ Easy as you like for @zaclloydx — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 10, 2024 THE NEXT BEST: Race 6 No.3 FURIOUS has been improved by two runs from a spell including a narrow loss to Pippie Beach on the Kensington track last start. He has won third-up previously, is well placed here on his home track and from the good draw (barrier two). Furious should get the run of the race, he handles heavy tracks and looks very hard to beat. Furious ($15) is too good for Trosettee at Caulfield ðŸ'° @JChilds47 gets a double ✌ï¸� @HawkesRacing — (@Racing) May 11, 2024 VALUE BET: Race 4 No.12 LIKE LUKEY resumed in the Scone Country Cup and came from near last on the turn with a strong run through near the inside to finish second, beaten less than a length by all-the-way upset winner Who Ever Thought. Like Lukey's comeback effort at 1400m was eye-catching, going out to 1500m suits, she's drawn well and should settle closer to the lead, and she won second-up by a big margin when last in work. Like Lukey is very genuine and terrific each way value around $12. Like Lukey makes it three in-a-row for @Leesracing! — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 15, 2024 THE WHISPER: Race 2 No.2 BOYS NIGHT OUT is bursting to win a race. He has had three runs back from a spell and comes to Rosehill off successive second placings at Doomben and Eagle Farm when beaten narrowly both times. Trainer Matthew Dunn has an outstanding record in Highways, particularly those with good Brisbane form like Boys Night Out. Drawn to get all the favours from barrier two. Back him with confidence. â– â– â– â– â– EAGLE FARM TIPS BEST BET: Race 4 No.1 TAVI TIME was aided by an inside draw and a good ride but he was still impressive beating a strong field in the Scone Cup with ease. He's right at his peak after three runs from a spell and going out to 1800m is no issue. James McDonald is an important booking and if the track stays in the soft range, it's perfect for the big bay. Tavi Time's generally holds his form through an extended preparation. Tavi Time WINS the Scone Cup! ðŸ�† @LeesKris — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 16, 2025 NEXT BEST: Race 1 No.7 DEMON DARB is racing in very good form. He scored successive wins at Doomben and Eagle Farm in April, had excuses when unplaced two starts back then ran very well for third to the handy Fukubana in a strong form race at Doomben. Demon Darb handles soft-heavy conditions, he's drawn to get the right run, and will be hard to beat. Demon Darb wins again at Eagle Farm! 🙌 @baileywheeler05 | @BrisRacingClub — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 19, 2025 VALUE BET: Race 8 No.15 EXISTENTIAL BOB is at $41 for the Queensland Derby but he's a good each way gamble. Existential Bob is just starting to learn what racing is all about and has struck form at the right time leading throughout to win at Wyong and Ipswich on heavy tracks. With the likelihood Eagle Farm will be in the soft-heavy range, Existential Bob will enjoy those conditions, makes his own luck racing on speed and he can stay. He gave the others a crisis! Existential Bob is too good for them at @IpswichTurfClub 🥳 @RMaloney_Jockey | @cwallerracing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 21, 2025 THE WHISPER: Race 9 No.7 KIN is a talented Godolphin mare improved by two runs from a spell including her closing second in the Bright Shadow at Doomben two weeks ago. She's peaking now and did win a stakes race at Caulfield third-up last spring. The expected wet track conditions won't bother Kin, James McDonald stays with the mare, and she's certain to be very competitive. â– â– â– â– â– TAB FIXED ODDS BIG BETS AND MARKET MOVERS ROSEHILL GARDENS Race 1: Zebra Finch $4.80-$4.60 Race 2: Boys Night Out $3.30-$2.80, Warrior For Peace $5-$3.50 Race 3: Harry's Bar $4.20-$4, I Am Brave $6.50-$4.40, Lady Extreme $8.50-$4.60, Vegas Raider $12-$6 Race 4: Hopper $12-$7 Race 5: Ellipsis $11-$4.60, Massira $19-$10 Race 6: Pure Alpha $7.50-$5.50, Little Cointreau $7.50-$6, Scalextrics $18-$9.50 Race 7: Kerguelen $3.30-$3.10, Unstopabull $11-$6, Spanish Fox $26-$10, Smashing Time $26-$11 Race 8: Glory Daze $11-$4.60, Major Beel $8-$6, Private Legacy $8-$6.50, Touristic $11-$7.50, Shahzad $26-$12 Race 9: Misterkipchoge $8-$5 including a $1000 each way at $7/$2.30, Cormac T $8-$6.50, Anderson Bridge $15-$8, Half Yours $11-$8.50 with a bet of $2000 at $9, Good Prize $19-$10 Race 10: Weeping Woman $8-$4.60 â– â– â– â– â– LADBROKES BIG BETS AND MARKET MOVERS ROSEHILL GARDENS Race 1: Zebra Finch $5.50-$3.70 including a bet of $555 at$4.60 Race 2: Boy's Night Out $3.30-$2.70, My Last Hooray $13-$15-$14 with a $500 bet at $15 Race 3: Lady Extreme $7.50-$4.20, Harry's Bar $4.50-$5 with a bet of $2000 at $4.60 Race 4: Hopper $10-$6.50, Mickey's Medal $12-$8.50 Race 5: Ellipsis $6.50-$3.90 with bets of $1000 at $4.60, $740 at $4.20, Massira $15-$9.50, King's Secret $26-$9.50 Race 6: Little Cointreau $8-$6 with a $2500 bet at $7, Scalextrics $14-$9.50, Forecaster $23-$14 Race 7: Unstopabull $11-$6 with a $500 bet $9.75), Spanish Fox $14-$8.50, Iron Man $17-$11 Race 8: Glory Daze $10-$5, Kadavar $8-$5.50, Touristic $12-7, Shahzad $26-$10 Race 9: Misterkipchoge $7.50-$4.60, Cormac T $8-$6, Anderson Bridge $16-$7 Race 10: Weeping Woman $7-$4 EAGLE FARM Race 1: Felix The Scat $13-$12 with a $1900 bet at $12 Race 2: Terrestar $9.50-$6.50, Aerial Dancer $21-$12 Race 3: Flying Bandit $7.50-$5, Campaldino $10-$6.50, Dillian $11-$9.50 including a bet of $2500 e/w at $9.50/3.20 Race 4: Tavi Time $2.80-$2.70 with a bet of $1176 at $2.70, New Endeavour $5-$3.20 after bets of $500 at $5, $500 at $4.60 Race 5: Grafterburners $10-$7 Race 6: Angel Capital $4-$3.20 after bets of $810 at $3.30, $1200, $911 and $500 at $3.20, Stay Focused $10-$7.50, Media World $14-$8 Race 7: Joliestar $3.30-$2.90-$3 with a bet of $3000 a $3, Giga Kick $5-$7-$5.50 after bets of $1000 a $7, $700 at $6.50, $550 at $6), Bosustow $13-8.50, Zarastro $61-$27 Race 8: Belle Detelle $8.50-$6 with a $500 wager at $6.50, Lavalier $21-$12 Race 9: Navyonthehighway $27-$12 CAULFIELD Race 1: Warrior Smile $4.80-$3.80, Millenium $7-$4 Race 2: Splash Back $5-$3.90 after bets of $875 at $5.50, $500 at $5 five times, $1000 e/w at $4.80/$1.95), Excess $8-$6 Race 3: Big Swinger $2.80-$2.30 with bets of $1000 at $2.85, $1111 at $2.80 twice, $1176 at $2.70 twice, $800, $700 and $600 at $2.70, $1500 a $2.30 Race 4: Extreme Virtue $6-$5 with bets of $2000 e/w at $5.50/$2.15, Silver Cliff $21-$9, Lincolnshire $18-$11 Race 5: Madiyya $2.70-$2.80-$2.10 after bets of $1113, $1111 and $1100 at $2.80 Race 6: Lim's Saltoro $8-$5.50 Race 7: Wonder Kid $5-$4.40 after a $500 bet at $5.15, Bold Soul $6-$5.50 with a $4000 e/w bet at $5.50/$2.15 Race 8: Niance $2.80-$2.50 after bets of $1111 a $2.80 four times, $1000 at $2.80, $1000 at $2.60, $1266 at $2.50), Recommendation $11-$7.50, Aviatress $19-$12 Race 9: Dirty Grin $5-$4.20 with bets of $500 at $4.80, $500 at $4.60, $500 â– â– â– â– â– INTERSTATE MAIL Caulfield Race 3 No.1 BIG SWINGER Caulfield Race 4 No.11 SOUND IT OUT Caulfield Race 5 No.2 MADDIYA Caulfield Race 8 No.7 NIANCE Morphettville Race 3 No.4 BEACH PAD Morphettville Race 4 No.6 WILD WINNER PROVINCIAL MAIL Kembla Grange Race 2 No.4 RIGHTEOUS LEGEND Kembla Grange Race 5 No.1 INOUE
