‘It was horrible’: Haas moment called out; Warriors’ huge signing news — NRL Daily

Brisbane leadership consultant Cameron Smith has put the spotlight on Payne Haas, with one particular effort from the Broncos superstar coming under scrutiny in the wake of the 40-6 loss to the Warriors.

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The defending premiers’ stunning fall from grace hit a new low on Saturday night, prompting coach Michael Maguire to finally let it rip at his players in his post-game press conference.

League great Andrew Johns, meanwhile, was scathing in his review of Brisbane’s performance and singled out the early try to Chanel Harris-Tavita as “absolutely disgusting”.

“The way they didn’t tie in on the inside, it was horrible,” he added on Channel 9’s Footy Show.

“That showed that they don’t care. They couldn’t care less. They don’t care if they win or lose at the moment.”

It was pointed out by Paul Gallen, however, that Haas was the player who did not come across in cover to stop Harris-Tavita.

That prompted Smith, who is a member of Maguire’s coaching staff, to challenge Haas to step up in the final few weeks of the season before he heads off to South Sydney.

“Those type of plays where a defender has to make a decision to move and put in effort, that’s an individual decision,” Smith said on Channel 9’s 100% Footy.

“It’s a system that every team uses, but it’s up to the individual to put effort in and move there.

“That’s an example of what I was talking about how it’s got a point in time where they know they can’t play finals and when it’s a little bit too hard they’ve made a decision to not go after those effort plays.

“Particularly with a player like Payne Haas where he’s made his decision to go to the Rabbitohs next year.

“So what does the rest of this season mean to him for the Broncos outside of personal pride in his own performance?”

They were interesting comments given they came from someone who has an understanding of what is going on inside Brisbane’s four walls, although Smith was at a loss as to what was behind the club’s downfall this year.

“No, I don’t (know what’s wrong),” he said.

“The pictures looked really bad watching the game. It didn’t look great, it wasn’t good viewing for Broncos players or their fans.

“What it looked like to me was that it’s been a long, frustrating season for these players and that when it got a little bit tough, it was all too hard for them.

“That’s when you see those lack of effort areas, which is disappointing. This is a club that plays in front of on average 40,000 fans every week and I think they’ve won two games at home this season.

“I think if you’re a Broncos fan you’d be very disappointed.”

WARRIORS LOCK DOWN HARRIS-TAVITA

Chanel Harris-Tavita’s stellar form for the Warriors this year has been rewarded, with the playmaker signing a two-year extension which will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2029.

Harris-Tavita’s future was uncertain as he entered the season with no deal beyond 2026, but he has stepped up to be one of the club’s more consistent performers amid a torrid injury toll among the halves.

With the likes of Luke Metcalf, Tanah Boyd and Te Maire Martin all suffering injuries around him, Harris-Tavita has been a steady head for the third-placed Warriors, who are well and truly in the hunt for the minor premiership.

The playmaker signed a one-year extension for 2027 back in May but his excellent form since has led to the Warriors placing further faith in the 27-year-old.

The timing of the move is interesting to say the least though.

The Warriors’ announcement comes just hours after it was revealed that the club are looming as a potential destination for Nathan Cleary.

Cleary is under contract with Penrith at the end of next season, meaning he’s free to negotiate with rival clubs from 2027.

Halfback Tanah Boyd also signed a long-term extension with the club this season, which ties him to the Warriors until the end of 2029.

“Initially Chanel renewed for just the one season but we couldn’t be happier to have him

with us for a longer term,” Warriors GM Andrew McFadden said via a club-issued statement.

“It secures his future and ensures he will continue to be a critical part of our plans for at

least the next three seasons. He has worked so hard at improving his game and has become

one of the game’s most accomplished halves.”

STORM TO ADD VETERAN FORWARD

The Storm have bolstered their forward pack for next season, inking Eels back rower Kelma Tuilagi to a one-year deal.

It’s a move that will help cover the loss of the departing Shawn Blore. It also gives the Storm depth given the uncertainty around the playing future of Eli Katoa.

Tuilagi is set to return to Melbourne after spending time in the club’s pathways program.

While he didn’t debut for the Storm, the Victorian junior was in the club’s 2020 squad as noted by Director of Football Frank Ponissi in a club-issued statement.

“Kelma has a strong connection to our club. He was part of our 2020 Premiership-winning squad and came through the Victorian rugby league system, so it’s fantastic to bring him back after he’s established himself as an NRL player,” Ponissi said.

“He’s a powerful, athletic forward who has continued to develop over the past few seasons.

“He’ll add experience and physicality to our forward pack, and we’re excited to see him back in a Storm jersey.”

Tuilagi has featured in 16 games for the Eels this season.

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