LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Broncos star Pat Carrigan praised teammate Payne Haas for his dedication and discipline in balancing his faith and football during the month of Ramadan.
Haas, who converted to Islam in 2019, is fasting from dawn until sunset until the end of March, even abstaining from water during daylight hours.
Despite these challenges, Haas has impressed with his performance on the field, accumulating 331 metres from 35 runs in the first two rounds of the NRL season.
Carrigan was amazed by Haas' ability to play at an elite level while fasting, highlighting his commitment to his beliefs and his team.
In the match against the Roosters, Haas played 29 minutes straight in the first half and then another 20-minute stint in the second half between the 50th and 70th minute.
Carrigan acknowledged the physical and mental toughness required for such a feat, stating, "His discipline and the way he balances everything isn't just compared to other players in the NRL, it's Payne's threshold."
Haas' dedication to his faith and his team has not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches.
Despite the challenges of fasting during Ramadan, Haas has continued to train hard and perform well on game days.
Carrigan emphasized the importance of discipline in achieving success, saying, "He's been doing the fasting through a full pre-season as well, which is just huge.
It's a credit to him and his discipline and how well he can juggle everything."
As Haas continues to excel on the field while observing Ramadan, his teammates and fans alike are inspired by his commitment and work ethic.
Carrigan summed up Haas' impressive performance by stating, "This is his third year playing NRL now and he's probably playing some of the best footy of his life." Haas' ability to overcome physical and mental challenges through dedication and discipline serves as a testament to his strength of character and unwavering commitment to his beliefs.