Haas shares expectations for Maguire’s impact on Broncos’ new era
Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas recently shared insights on the influence he expects from newly appointed head coach Michael Maguire, highlighting the impact Maguire’s leadership could have on the team. Maguire, who led the NSW Blues to a crucial State of Origin series victory this year, has built a reputation for his intense commitment to excellence and a rigorous approach to professionalism—qualities that Haas believes could be transformative for the Broncos.
Reflecting on his time with the Blues during the Origin series, Haas said he got a firsthand look at Maguire’s demanding style and shared his experience with his Broncos teammates, describing Maguire as someone who gets straight to the point and emphasizes hard work above all else. “Maguire’s focus was clear—get the best out of his players and bring home a win for NSW, which he did,” Haas told the Daily Telegraph. For Haas, the experience was an eye-opener into the type of professionalism and dedication Maguire instills in his players, qualities he sees as essential for success at the club level.
Haas also admired the work ethic and determination he saw in NSW teammates like Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, and Brian To’o, players who consistently bring a champion’s mentality to their preparation. “These guys are serious pros,” he explained. “They’ve won championships because they bring that level of professionalism every time.” This exposure to high standards inspired Haas to envision similar expectations within the Broncos, who recently endured a tough season under former coach Kevin Walters, finishing in a disappointing 12th place. For Haas, Maguire’s no-nonsense and driven approach is exactly what the Broncos need to rebuild and set their sights on the top.
Upon returning from Origin, Haas felt energized and motivated, determined to raise the Broncos’ standards. “After seeing the way things were done in the Blues camp, I realized we could improve in a few areas at Brisbane,” he said. “Working with top players from other teams shows you what’s possible.” He added that the Broncos had developed a somewhat relaxed culture over the years, with celebrations sometimes going overboard even after regular wins. “We needed to focus more on putting in the hard work,” Haas commented, underscoring the shift in mindset he hopes to bring to the team.
As the Broncos prepare for the 2025 season, Haas and Maguire have already built a strong rapport from their time together with the Blues. Known for his fitness and stamina, Haas is one of the Broncos’ standout players, having consistently played full 80-minute games in the front row since he was only 18. He emphasized the importance of consistent effort, saying, “We all need to give our best every day. If we do that, we’re only going to get better.”
For the Broncos, 2025 represents a make-or-break season. The team came agonizingly close to winning the 2023 premiership under Walters, only to lose in the closing minutes to the Panthers. Although Walters has now departed, Haas retains great respect for his former coach. “I was blindsided by the decision to let him go. Kevvie was there for me during tough times, and I wanted to be part of what he was building,” he reflected. The loss in the grand final remains a painful memory, but Haas views it as motivation to push harder in the seasons to come. “If we get to that stage again, I hope we can learn from that experience,” he said. When asked about the setbacks of the 2024 season, Haas pointed to injuries as a major challenge but maintained that resilience and growth from adversity are crucial for success.
Despite being only 24, Haas has already compiled an impressive list of achievements. He is a five-time best-and-fairest player at Brisbane, a four-time Dally M Prop of the Year, and has proudly represented both NSW and Australia. Yet, he remains laser-focused on one objective: an NRL premiership. “That’s the ultimate goal. I couldn’t leave the Broncos without winning a title for myself, my teammates, and the club,” he declared. Maguire, recognizing Haas’s leadership potential, sees him as a future captain—a role Haas would be honored to take on but is currently more focused on leading by example. “If they asked me to captain, I’d be honored. But for now, it’s about doing my job and stepping up with the rest of the team.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Haas has set clear goals for the Broncos. “With our roster, we should be making the finals every year. We’ll be aiming for a top-four spot and a strong comeback next season. We know we have the talent—it’s on us to put in the work,” he said. For Haas, the stakes have never been higher, and with Maguire at the helm, he believes the Broncos have the structure and discipline to reclaim their place among the NRL’s elite teams.
