Payne Haas has vowed to play this year’s State of Origin series for his late brother Chace, declaring the name on his back represents both of them.

Haas is one of 20 players in NSW’s camp on the Central Coast, as preparations begin for the series opener in Adelaide on November 4.

This year has already been one of the most difficult of Haas’s life.

Brisbane’s NRL issues aside, his 22-year-old brother Chace died in August after a short illness, having been a ventilated quadriplegic since a car accident when he was five months old.

Haas has spoken several times this year on the tight bond they shared and posted an emotional tribute to social media at the time of his brother’s death.

The 20-year-old Haas spent his time outside of the NRL bubble with his family, before flying to Sydney on Sunday night for the end-of-season series.

“One hundred per cent I will play for him,” Haas said.

“He was a mad footy fan and he loved the Blues, so it’s pretty good being here.

“It was a hard year.

“Footy’s not the be-all and end-all but obviously when my brother passed away that was a bit hard.

“That was probably the low point of my career. That was when you knew this year was not meant to be.

“Even before what happened, I always played for him.

“I always run out with him and it’s his, our last name on the back of our jersey so it will carry all of us on there.”

An Origin rookie in the series opener last year before injury ended his campaign early, Haas’s spot was never in doubt despite the Broncos’ 2020 woes.

While they won just one match after the season resumption, Haas was their best.

He ranfor more metres than any other prop in the NRL, getting through a stack of work and minutes up front.

Origin now gives him the chance for a fresh end to the season, as he tries to put the Broncos’ issues aside.

“I’ve probably brushed that year now and I’ll focus on doing my job for my state here and doing my state proud,” he said.

“It wasn’t the best there and wasn’t ideal but it’s good to be here and around great players and I can’t wait to learn off them.”