Brisbane Broncos premiership-winning forward Payne Haas is eyeing off more silverware with Toa Samoa in the Pacific Championships final.
Haas scored his first try for Samoa as they out-enthused and out-muscled Tonga 34-6 in an historic Test triumph at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday and is now looking forward to the Pacific Cup decider at CommBank Stadium on November 9.
Now two games into his tenure with the Toa, Haas said he and his team had taken a lot out of their gripping loss to New Zealand in week one to apply to their must-win game against their Pacific rivals.
“We took a lot of learnings out of last week,” Haas said of their 24-18 loss to the Kiwis in Auckland.
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“I thought we had a lot of opportunities last week to get the win, but we just couldn’t get it done.
“We spoke about how we were good last week, but we wanted to be great this week, so I thought we did that.
“We’re off to the final now and we want to be great again.”
The star prop’s switch of international allegiance from Australia to Samoa in August sparked even more excitement around the international game and Haas said the feeling of playing for his family and heritage in front of a 45,000-strong crowd was “something special”.
It also held meaning for him closer to home.
“It means the world to play for Samoa,” Haas said. “It was something I wanted to do growing up and to get a win in the Samoan colours, it’s very special… the crowd were very special.
“It’s something you dream about and something you want to be part of and to get a win like that in front of everyone was pretty cool.
“(My family) love it, obviously my daughter and my brothers … and to be around all of this – our culture – has been pretty cool.”
Payne Haas and his daughter following Samoa’s win.
©Scott Davis / NRL Images
While Haas often claims the headlines for his performances, it was Samoa’s co-captains that stood up in the Toa’s first win since the 2022 World Cup semi-final defeat of England.
Junior Paulo claimed player of the match honours for his performance, leading from the front with an inspiring effort, while halfback Jarome Luai was also a key figure in keeping the team focused, especially during the 95-minute lightning delay at Suncorp Stadium.
“He’s a great leader,” Haas said of Luai, whom he has played State of Origin alongside for NSW.
“He’s come from that Panther system, and winning four premierships does a world of good for you, so when he talks, everyone listens.
“He’s a very calming influence in the sheds and told us ‘let’s go after it’.”
Payne Haas and Jarome Luai after the win against Tonga.
©Anthony Kourembanas / NRL Images
Samoa now wait to learn who their opponents will be in the final at CommBank Stadium on November 9 will be, with Tonga needing to defeat the Kiwis by 17 points on Sunday to qualify.
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