Brisbane are keen to improve their culture and prop Payne Haas says players have embraced the content of a speech from former NRL bad boy Todd Carney about thinking before they act, and the consequences of poor choices.
Haas said it was “pretty cool” to have Carney address the playing group on Monday and that his message resonated.
Carney, who had his career cut short in its prime due to a string of off-field misdemeanours, was speaking as part of a mandatory NRL education session for clubs.
He has since turned his life around and has a new job as a Gold Coast Titans pathways coach and calls rugby league on radio.
Brisbane five-eighth Ezra Mam will face court this month on an alleged drug driving charge after he was involved in a collision with another vehicle that caused injuries to three of the occupants.
NSW prop Haas, now a well-rounded father and in a good space off the field, had issues early in his career that he dealt with and learned from.
Haas said Carney’s message was about “thinking about your decisions before you do it”.
“It could really affect your career… It is a privilege to be in the position we are in. Little things can add up to big things,” Haas said.
“I followed Toddy’s career. I used to love him as a player and to see the man he is now is pretty cool.
Todd Carney playing State of Origin. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
“He’s gone through lots of things and experiences that he shared with us. We are young players and he was young at the time as well. He was just sharing his experiences and what we should watch out for.”
Haas said the players had embraced the coaching of new mentor Michael Maguire in pre-season as they aim to recover from a dismal 12th-placed finish in 2024.
“We are a young group and just being men about being honest and upfront to each other. That’s what we are taking away this pre-season and all the boys are buying in and having a red-hot crack,” Haas said.
“I know what Madge (Maguire) is about, especially having him in Origin. I know what he brings and what he expects of us players which has made it easier to transition. I’ve gone through three coaches now so I am used to it all.”
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Haas was close to recently sacked coach Kevin Walters. Walters campaigned for Haas to be given his most lucrative contract extension and the Test forward said at the time how his old coach was a key reason why he had stayed.
Haas has been at the club while Wayne Bennett, Anthony Seibold and Walters were sacked and has never let personnel change in the coaching staff impact his own performance.
“Obviously it was hard at the time (when Walters was sacked) but we can’t really dwell on that now,” Haas said.
Payne Haas. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
“We’ve got Madge now and I am enjoying my time under Madge. I’ve got lots of love for Kevvie and he knows that but you can’t really hold onto the past. You’ve got to keep on moving and be present.”
Haas said the Broncos needed to be mentally tougher to play finals next season.
“Just being consistent. We started off all right (in 2024) but dropped off at the end and through the Origin period,” he added.
“It is a mental game footy. When our bodies are sore we have to keep on turning up each week.”
© AAP