Brisbane prop Payne Haas has vowed to make a statement in Saturday’s NRL clash with Newcastle in a bid to reclaim his NSW jersey for State of Origin III.
Haas made his Origin debut off the bench in the series opener but missed the Blues’ thumping game two win in Perth due to a hamstring injury.
However, the 19-year-old said he had the ideal chance to earn a NSW recall by lining up against Newcastle’s Daniel Saifiti and David Klemmer.
Starting Knights prop Saifiti will go head to head with Haas in Newcastle on Saturday while Klemmer is tipped to return from a wrist injury against the Broncos.
Saifiti made his NSW debut in the 38-6 Origin II rout while Klemmer was Haas’ Blues teammate in the series opener before he missed game two with the injury.
Haas said he wanted to make NSW selectors sit up and take notice by outpointing the Knights duo before the Blues game three side was unveiled next week.
“That’s the plan. I have got this week (to earn selection),” he said.
“It sounds like David Klemmer is back. Klemmer and Daniel Saifiti are two Origin props – I have to make a statement.
“They are probably the form props in the competition. It’s a pretty big game for all of us but I can’t wait.”
Haas said he no longer had any hamstring issues after returning in Brisbane’s last round 38-10 loss to Parramatta.
Haas played 64 minutes against the Eels, running for 138m and reeling off 37 tackles.
“I just had a bit of a tweak in my hammy. I didn’t want to force it at the time,” he said of the injury.
“I am still young and have a lot in front of me and I know how dangerous hamstrings can be (if aggravated).”