Payne Haas set to miss Kangaroos Tests in massive new blow for Brisbane Broncos forward

Broncos enforcer Payne Haas is set to miss the two international matches for Australia at the end of the season after the announcement he will undergo surgery on his foot fracture. Haas was out for four weeks until he made a quick return last week for Kevin Walters and the Broncos in the must-win game at Suncorp against the Dolphins.

Unfortunately for the Broncos, they were humiliated in a 40-6 defeat. The Broncos won't play finals footy in 2024 with coach Walters under pressure again after a poor season in charge of a talented roster.

And Haas has not been named for the club's round 27 clash with the Storm after the update he will head for surgery on his foot. Haas is facing a three to four month recovery after surgery, which will have him ready for the start of the new season.

While the Broncos will have their enforcer back to start the NRL season, Mal Meninga will be looking for a new starting prop after Haas - the 2023 Golden Boot nominee - was all but ruled out of the two matches against Tonga and New Zealand. "Payne will have surgery on his foot on Tuesday and Reece is just not ready to play so there is no point in risking him," Walters said on Wednesday.

"(Haas) will be probably be eliminated from the internationals at the end of the year and that is not good for Payne but I really commend him for his efforts to get back on the field. He showed what a true Bronco is, putting his body on the line for the club. That just shows the kind of player Payne is and the type of person he is."

Haas went off against the Dolphins for a brief spell, having not played for four weeks, and had to lift to get back on and push through the pain. "It shows great faith in what we are doing here," Walters.

"We tried to give him a rest and he wasn't too happy. He is a winner and we are very happy to have him as part of our club."

Kevin Walters backed after horror Broncos season

The Broncos have endured a nightmare season having failed to make finals footy for the third time in four seasons under Walters. The coach has battled through a huge injury toll with Haas, Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds all missing parts of the season.

Pressure has grown on Walters with fans left utterly disappointment missing out on finals. Despite some speculation on Walters' future, Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has backed Walters heading into 2025.

“Kev is the coach and he will remain the coach,” Broncos CEO Donaghy said to The Courier Mail. “It’s been a really disappointing year — everyone inside the club is feeling it and I’m sure our fans are, too." Donaghy stressed the Broncos are keen to get through the clash against the Storm on Friday night before conducting a review into the season to seek improvements.

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While the Broncos have little to play for, considering they can't drop below 12th place and can't make finals footy, Walters wants the club to show pride in the jersey in the final regular game of the season. "We want to fight hard and play hard for each other," he said.

"That has been clearly said to the players and they are keen. We are all hurting about the position we are in and the only way to respond with a strong performance. We have high expectations and all the players and staff are hurting (about missing finals). We will do a review at the end of the year and we will come up with some reasons. I have my own views which I am keen to share with everyone here in the building."