Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas admitted it has been “really tough” not being able to see or speak to his incarcerated mother who was involved in a horrific car crash which three people were killed.
Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua, the only survivor from the crash in December, was charged with three counts of manslaughter as a result of the clash and she was additionally charged with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, evading police and also driving without a license.
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Police alleged that Taufua’s Mercedes went on to the wrong side of the road while she attempted to flee police when she crashed head-on into the three victims.
It is the second time in recent months Taufua has spent time in jail after she was imprisoned in September over an assault on the Gold Coast.
Haas was granted additional time off by the Broncos as a result of the ordeal, but has only now revealed the toll it took on himself and his family.
“I won’t lie and say it’s been easy,” Haas told The Sydney Morning Herald.
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“It’s been really tough. I’m lucky I’ve got a good support network around me, I’ve got my partner and my daughter.
“I missed the World Cup last year to be with my family. We saw what happened with mum [during the year], and my shoulders were busted at the time.
“Just for my head, I thought it was best I stay back in Brisbane and be with my family and look after myself and them.”
Haas added: “I’m close with mum – I’m a mummy’s boy.”
Taufua will make her next court appearance on March 9, one day before the Broncos’ home opener of the 2023 NRL season against the North Queensland Cowboys.
