Payne Haas recently opened up about the shortcomings in the Brisbane Broncos’ training standards under former head coach Kevin Walters, inadvertently casting a shadow on his ex-coach’s methods. Reflecting on the 2024 NRL season, which ended in disappointment for the Broncos, Haas admitted that at times, training under Walters failed to reach the necessary intensity. The Broncos, who had been grand finalists just a season before, slid down the ladder to finish in 12th place, missing the finals entirely. Following this underwhelming performance, Walters was dismissed, and former NSW State of Origin coach Michael Maguire was brought in with a clear directive: to improve the club’s culture and raise the standards at all levels—two aspects that were heavily criticized during Walters’ last season.
Haas, who had previously worked with Maguire in the NSW Origin camp, revealed how that experience made him realize what was missing at Brisbane. Observing the work ethic and discipline of his Origin teammates during training sessions, Haas felt there was a significant gap in the Broncos’ approach. “I watched the way the NSW guys trained and thought, ‘we could be pushing ourselves more back at the Broncos,’” Haas shared with The Courier Mail. “I learned a lot from ‘Madge’ (Maguire), especially about his philosophy on hard work and commitment. That Origin camp really changed my perspective on how I want to approach my role within the Broncos.”
Haas’ comments do not paint a flattering picture of the standards during Walters’ final season with Brisbane, yet Maguire is already making his presence felt. Since beginning his first full week of pre-season training with the Broncos, Maguire has implemented a grueling regime designed to instill resilience and a high-performance mentality. The sessions, conducted in Brisbane’s punishing summer heat, have pushed players to their limits. Reports have even emerged of some players needing vomit buckets due to the intensity of the workouts—underscoring Maguire’s “no-nonsense” approach.
The Broncos’ physically demanding sessions have reportedly raised concerns within the NRL regarding adherence to new guidelines on player safety. These regulations were introduced following the tragic death of former Manly Sea Eagles player Keith Titmuss in 2020 and emphasize strict safety protocols during high-intensity training. However, Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy assured fans and officials alike that player welfare is a priority, and that the club is fully compliant with the NRL’s updated safety standards.
Haas, who sat out of the Kangaroos’ successful Pacific Championship campaign due to surgery on a foot fracture, is gearing up for a strong return in 2025. The towering prop is taking a disciplined approach to his recovery, revealing that he has cut out alcohol to enhance his fitness and mental clarity. “It’s made a big difference for me. I’ve put myself on a drinking ban, though I’d rather not talk much about it publicly,” he mentioned to The Daily Telegraph. Reflecting on the injury that ended his season, Haas admitted that he probably shouldn’t have played in round 26, feeling pain in his foot. Yet, driven by the desire to help his team secure a finals spot, he pushed through the discomfort.
Now, Haas is fully focused on the upcoming season and is urging his fellow Broncos—players like Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds—to buy into Maguire’s vision of hard work and dedication as they aim to end the club’s 19-year premiership drought. “I’m really looking forward to getting back to training. There’s nothing like building those connections with teammates during pre-season, going through the blood, sweat, and tears,” Haas stated passionately. “I love the grind, being out there with the boys, all working toward a common goal. It’s what being part of a team is all about, and I believe we can achieve something special if we all commit to this.”
With Maguire at the helm and a renewed sense of purpose within the squad, the Broncos are setting their sights on a return to form and ultimately chasing a long-awaited premiership title. Haas’ reflections and Maguire’s intense training sessions signal a new era at Brisbane, one defined by hard work, resilience, and a united determination to rise back to the top.
