LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NSW Blues are maintaining optimism regarding front-rower Payne Haas' availability for the first match of the 2025 State of Origin series despite ongoing concerns about a quad injury.
While scans confirmed that the Brisbane Broncos star suffered no serious damage, Haas has been struggling with the injury and has missed three consecutive training sessions.
He is expected to remain in limited activity leading up to Game 1 on Wednesday at Suncorp Stadium.
However, the Blues are hopeful as Haas is reportedly already at 70 percent fitness.
NSW Blues doctor Nathan Gibbs provided insights into Haas' condition, stating, "Payne strained his VL quad, or lateral quad, not the main central quad, and they traditionally heal much quicker." Gibbs added that Haas was able to run approximately 2.5km at about 70 percent, which he believes puts him "right on track to train on Monday, then play Wednesday." This optimism underscores the team's confidence in Haas' recovery ahead of the crucial match.