Like everything he has done during his breakout NRL season, Payne Haas is embracing the challenge as he looks to become the fourth-least experienced Kangaroo in over two decades.
Despite having just 24 first-grade appearances under his belt, the Brisbane phenom’s name is expected to be read out when Australian coach Mal Meninga names his squad for upcoming Tests against New Zealand and Tonga on Monday.
Haas and Canberra’s Josh Papalii are the leading contenders to force their way into the Kangaroos’ front row while the likes of Jack Wighton, Cameron Murray and Josh Addo-Carr are also pushing for Test debuts.
An international call up would cap a remarkable season for Haas, 19, who has already made his State of Origin debut for NSW in 2019.
Earlier this week he was crowned the Dally M rookie and prop of the year, recognition for a NRL campaign where he made the most metres by any forward (3,694m).
If Haas does receive a Test jumper, he will surpass Braith Anasta (25 games) into fourth on the list of least-experienced players to debut for Australia since the NRL era began in 1988.
Only Sione Mata’utia (seven), Brent Tate (16) and David Williams (20) were blooded earlier in their careers.
“That’s the highest honour you can get in the game of rugby league,” Haas said of a possible Australian debut.
“If I can get that opportunity, I’ll take it with both hands. It would be a real privilege. I wouldn’t know what to say, words wouldn’t be able to explain it.”
Meninga will get a close-up look at the 194cm, 119kg giant after selecting him for the Prime Minister’s XIII against Fiji later this month.
In an indication that he is very much in the Test frame, he has been picked in a pack alongside the likes of Jake Trbojevic, Wade Graham and Tyson Frizell.
“I’m real blessed, I didn’t expect it,” Haas said.
“It’s pretty crazy, especially with the year (Brisbane) had, I didn’t expect it.
“I’ve been training ever since, just trying to stay fit.”
Asked if he would be overawed to receive a Kangaroos call-up, Haas said he would approach it with his typical unflappable self-confidence.
“I back myself in any team I’m in,” Haas said.
“I feel like I’ll be 100 per cent ready if I get the call up.”
