It would surprise to hear Payne Haas describes himself as “soft”.
There is nothing delicate about the Brisbane behemoth on the footy field, where he is widely considered among the best front-rowers of his generation. However, stamping his authority on the Haas household is another matter.
At the age of just 25, the NSW prop is responsible for not only bringing up his own children, three-year old daughter Lalita and newborn son Luckee, but is also the legal guardian of his younger brothers Geejay and Hans.
“I’m a bit soft,” Haas said. “I have to be hard because basically I’m their father figure now.
“When it’s time to discipline them, it’s time, but obviously I’m still their brother, so I want to have fun with them as well.
“But I know I’ve got a job to look after these boys and discipline them and make sure they’re on the right path as well.”
As the leader of the Broncos pack – and the highest-paid forward in the club’s history, Haas is no stranger to shouldering responsibility. However, that pales in comparison to stepping up in the absence of his parents. His mother, Joan, is in prison while awaiting sentencing after fleeing a car crash that left three people dead.
His father, Gregor, who was last year facing a possible death sentence in Indonesia for alleged drug offences he vehemently denies, remains in Manila’s notorious Camp Bagong immigration detention facility without charge. Despite being recognised as a Filipino citizen, the future of Gregor, who has lost 30kg throughout the ordeal, remains in limbo.
Haas, one of nine children, has had to simultaneously play the roles of brother, mother and father.
“It’s full on, but it’s good chaos,” Haas said.
“I’m just trying to make them into great people and be respectful kids.
Blues prop Payne Haas.
“Especially having my two kids as well, one of the greatest blessings in my life. I really enjoy being a father at the moment and that’s all that really matters to me, to be honest.
“It’s been challenging [looking after the family], I’m not gonna lie and shy away from it.
“Everyone goes through challenges and it’s good to talk about it because people can relate to myself in everyday life. If I can do it, anyone else can do it, so just trying to be that kind of person for people.
“I also just leave my stuff at the door when I come into training. Obviously I’ve got some baggage with me, but when I come to Broncos and train with the boys, I leave that at the door and don’t let that affect anyone else.”
“Obviously certain things that happened in my life and I had to grow up and really start to look at myself in the mirror.”
Payne Haas
Few professional athletes have endured so much turmoil in their life. Haas has had his own scrapes with authority, copping a four-game ban for not complying with an integrity unit investigation relating to an off-field family matter. There was also an alcohol-fuelled incident three years ago that resulted in a further three-game suspension and $50,000 fine.
However, the Kangaroos enforcer has matured significantly since finding faith – he has observed Ramadan since 2019 – and opting to raise his younger siblings.
“I feel like I’ve had to grow up pretty quickly the last couple of years,” he said. “Obviously certain things that happened in my life and I had to grow up and really start to look at myself in the mirror. I’m not perfect, but I’m always struggling to be perfect every day.
“All that matters to me is being a good dad, being a good partner … I feel like I can really turn this into a positive for certain people. If I can just touch one person and inspire them, that no matter what you’re going through in life, [show] that it’s not always a straight line – get forward, be strong, do what matters and that’s all you can do.
Payne Haas with his brothers Hans and Geejay.
“It makes me appreciate having my family around me, especially my brothers, they go through a lot.
“I feel sorry for them, to be honest, not really myself. They don’t have their parents around with them, which is pretty sad in itself. That’s why I’m trying to be that guide for them and trying to be that person for them.”
Despite the obstacles, Haas hopes he can be reunited with his parents.
“I haven’t been able to speak to my dad due to certain reasons of course, but have been able to speak to my mum a couple of times in the last few weeks, which is good,” he said.
“She’s in good spirits and obviously going through all that kind of stuff.
“It went on trial so it takes a while to get all the final details. We’ll see what happens.”
