In an exciting development for rugby league fans, Michael Maguire has outlined an ambitious new game plan for star prop Payne Haas ahead of the 2025 NRL season. After an impressive 2024 season that saw Haas continue to establish himself as one of the most dominant forwards in the competition, Maguire’s new strategy promises to elevate the Brisbane Broncos’ powerhouse to new heights.
Haas, known for his explosive power, relentless work ethic, and unparalleled stamina, has already made it clear he is ready to take his game to the next level. In a bold statement to the NRL earlier this year, the 24-year-old sent a warning shot across the league, declaring that he was ready to lead from the front and impose his presence like never before. Now, Maguire is aiming to harness that hunger and channel it into a game plan that could see Haas become an even more influential force.
A Shift in Role
Maguire’s approach to using Haas in 2025 will be a departure from traditional forward usage. While Haas has long been regarded as a workhorse, a player tasked with making up the bulk of the middle forwards’ yardage, the new plan is to use him more strategically, enhancing his impact on both sides of the ball.
“In the past, Payne’s been known for just being a big body in the middle, but what we’re looking to do in 2025 is get him in more varied situations,” Maguire explained in an exclusive interview. “He’s got such a wide skill set, and we want to make sure he’s not just a yardage man but someone who can really change the dynamics of a game.”
Increased Versatility
One key area where Haas will be used differently is in his defensive role. Maguire is set to unleash Haas in more wide-ranging defensive plays, asking him to track opposing forwards in wider areas of the field. By doing this, Haas will not only play a more central role in the middle of the field but will also be expected to shift laterally with more agility, using his speed and strength to shut down the opposition’s attack at key moments.
In attack, Maguire will experiment with Haas as a ball player in certain attacking situations. Known for his surprising finesse with the ball for a man of his size, the Broncos’ coach plans to get Haas more involved in offloads and second-phase play, creating confusion and mismatches with the defensive line.
“Payne’s ability to offload and create opportunities for others is something we’re really keen to tap into more,” Maguire said. “He’s got the athleticism to take the line on, and now we want him to get better at timing those moments and creating space for his teammates.”
A Leadership Role
Along with his new responsibilities on the field, Haas will be expected to take on a more prominent leadership role within the Broncos squad. As a naturally gifted player and someone who commands respect from his teammates, Haas will be encouraged to lead by example, both in training and during games. His presence in the middle of the field is already intimidating, but in 2025, he will also be a vocal and inspirational figure for the younger players coming through the ranks.
Maguire highlighted that Haas’ leadership qualities are already evident and that they will be crucial in shaping the culture of the team going forward. “Payne’s leadership has grown exponentially,” he said. “He understands the responsibility that comes with being one of the key players on the team, and we’re really going to rely on him to drive that leadership in 2025.”
The Path Forward
As the Broncos prepare for the 2025 season, Michael Maguire’s plan for Payne Haas is undoubtedly an exciting one. By focusing on versatility, ball skills, and leadership, Maguire is ensuring that the 24-year-old prop has all the tools to dominate in a variety of situations. With Haas already making waves across the league, the question now is whether his new role can help him elevate his game even further – and, in turn, lead the Broncos to glory.
As the countdown to the new season begins, all eyes will be on Payne Haas to see if he can take his game to unprecedented levels under Maguire’s guidance. One thing’s for sure: the NRL will never look the same with Haas in full flight.
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