Payne Haas Injury: Broncos make bumper call for Battle of Brisbane
The Broncos’ shock selection has thrust the payne haas injury debate into the centre of Round 4 team talk. The club has made a huge call on superstar prop Payne Haas for the Battle of Brisbane, while a star playmaker returns earlier than expected to boost an undefeated side. Read on for the NRL Team Lists for Round 4 and the immediate fallout from those choices.
Payne Haas Injury and Broncos selection
The Broncos have opted to front Payne Haas for the Battle of Brisbane despite surrounding turmoil and selection questions flagged in preview headlines. Another line of coverage has labelled Haas ‘highly unlikely’ for the derby, making the club’s final inclusion a headline-grabbing decision. The selection reshapes pre-match focus for the Brisbane clash and puts Payne Haas squarely under the microscope for coaches, players and fans ahead of kickoff.
Team lists and selection notes
Round 4 team lists arrived with a string of notable inclusions and fitness developments. Manly named Tom Trbojevic at fullback and retained Jake Trbojevic despite criticism of his recent form; the side also promoted teenage prop Simione Laiafi into the squad as Siua Taukeiaho remains out with a calf injury. The Roosters welcomed Billy Smith back after missing two games with an injury sustained falling from an e-bike, a change expected to bolster their backline after a heavy loss to Penrith.
Key matchups set in the lists include Manly v Roosters at 4 Pines Park and the NZ Warriors v Wests Tigers fixture noted for Round 4. Coaches have made selections that reflect immediate tactical priorities: bolstering forward packs where calves and availability have been an issue, and reintroducing attacking options earlier than first forecast.
Immediate reactions
Voices inside squads and commentary on selections were direct. Tom Trbojevic said: “I think it’s a little bit disappointing that he is coming under fire. I think he’s really gone great after the first two weeks, the way he’s played, especially defensively. And I think a lot of people that watch the game and analysts get caught up in stats and what you need to do with the ball, but he’s a real leader for us in defence and the way he links our attack together as well… We in this club know he’s good enough and we really appreciate him as a footy player and as a person (because) he’s an integral part of our team. ”
The comment followed decisions to hold faith with existing personnel and to blood younger options where injuries have opened doors. Selection-makers clearly weighed short-term match needs against longer-term form and fitness questions when finalising Round 4 squads.
What’s next
Attention now turns to matchday status updates and final confirmations ahead of the Battle of Brisbane and other Round 4 fixtures; the payne haas injury label will remain a focal point through team announcements and medical clearances. Expect final listed squads and any late withdrawals to determine whether the Broncos’ decision stands as a turning point or a bold risk. Uncertainties about availability are unresolved and will be clarified before kickoff as clubs confirm their final playing line-ups.
