Broncos legend Petero Civoniceva has declared Payne Haas can take a big step towards joining Glenn Lazarus as the greatest prop of all time if he can lead his side to victory in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final.

Lazarus boasts an unmatched resume, with five premierships on three separate teams and is a member of the NRL Hall of Fame. The prop was the dominant forward in the game for a decade, leaving opposition packs in his wake throughout the 1990s.  

It’s a similar path to the one Haas has blazed since his NRL debut in 2018, the Broncos enforcer quickly developing into one of the best players in the world.


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Payne Haas Try

The 25-year-old claimed his fifth Dally M Prop of the Year award on Wednesday night, adding to a long list of individual accolades. Premiership success, however, has so far eluded him and he fell agonisingly short of a title in 2023.

Sunday’s grand final provides a chance to avenge that loss and a victory over the Storm will help cement Haas’ status as a modern-day legend.

“We’re seeing a once in a generation type of player,” Civoniceva told NRL.com. “Everyone is blown away by the way he plays.

“I called him one of a kind when he made his NRL debut. He’s lived up to that and I’m excited to see how his career unfolds. With the way he’s playing, he’s cemented himself as one of the elite players in our game.

“Into the future, what will his legacy be? We talk about Glenn Lazarus as one of the greatest front rowers ever. He was able to win multiple titles at a few different clubs, that in itself is a huge achievement.

“If Payne can get to those highs, his numbers are undeniable what he does week in, week out. If he continues on that trajectory, we’ll be talking about him in the future as one of the greatest ever.”

The Broncos are looking to win their first premiership since 2006, when Civoniceva and Shane Webcke led the side to a tense victory over the Melbourne Storm.

It’s fitting the two sides will again face off at a sold-out Accor Stadium on Sunday night, with Haas eager to recreate the feats of two Brisbane greats. 

The current crop of Broncos are well connected with the club’s history and a host of legends have been spotted at their Red Hill base this week.


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Looking back at the 2006 grand final

Haas grew up idolising Civoniceva and is desperate to join the retired star as a premiership winner on Sunday night.

“Even Wally [Lewis] was here too,” Haas said. “They paved the way for us.

“They put this jersey in a great place. It’s not our jersey, we don’t own it, we’re just here for the moment now and trying to put it in a better place.

“We’re not talking about dynasties. I’m just worried about this week and getting it done.

“We’ll keep on being present. Being present is important for us and worrying about our own preparation.”


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95. Glenn Lazarus – Hall of Fame

Haas produced a super-human effort last weekend to help the Broncos overcome a 14-0 half-time deficit to edge the Panthers in an epic preliminary final.

The prop ran for 182 metres and made 46 tackles without a miss in a mammoth 80-minute stint. He also came up with a game-saving play when he pounced on a Nathan Cleary grubber to prevent a near-certain Penrith try late in the match.

While he produced a solo effort last weekend, Haas will form a one-two punch with Pat Carrigan in the decider, who returns from suspension on Sunday night.

The pair are set to go face to face with Melbourne star Stefano Utoikamanu, who lit the fuse for a fiery contest earlier in the week.


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Utoikamanu: “I came here to play finals footy”

The Storm prop declared his desire to take the battle to the Broncos from the opening kick-off and vowed he won’t back down.

The comments set the stage for an explosive contest, with Civoniceva excited to watch two talented packs go toe to toe.

“Times have changed, we don’t get those comments normally,” Civoniceva said. “Everyone is trying not to say anything out of line with what the club would want. It’s exciting, we want to see two big forward packs go at it.

“Fans love to see that confrontation, it’s tough and fast in the middle. Now Stefano has laid down a few words, he’ll have to back it up and I’m sure the Broncos pack will be up for the challenge.

“Payne is going to play a huge role in that battle as the leader of the pack. Pat Carrigan coming back into the side is a huge in. A lot rests on their shoulders. Playing in the middle, these are the moments you relish.

“The big games are a chance to exert your dominance and that’s where the game will be won. They’re not under any illusions about how good they have to be to overcome this Storm pack.”