Darren Lockyer spills the beans on Payne Haas situation in huge NRL development for Broncos

Broncos legend Darren Lockyer has given the strongest indication yet that Payne Haas will return from injury in time to feature in Brisbane's must-win clash against the Dolphins on Saturday evening. Haas has been sidelined for three weeks with a foot injury but is battling to prove his fitness for a match against the Dolphins that the Broncos have to win to keep their NRL finals hopes alive.

Kevin Walters' side is already without injured fullback Reece Walsh for the showdown against former mentor Wayne Bennett's Dolphins, but it's looking increasingly likely the Broncos coach will be boosted by the return of Haas. The superstar prop has trained for the first time in three weeks, and despite being seen wearing a red 'no-contact' bib at training on Wednesday, he's been named on the extended bench for the game against the Dolphins.

Even though players outside the 17 named in the match day squad don't often factor on game day, there is a growing sense that Walters will pull an ace out of his sleeve against his former mentor Bennett, by elevating Haas to the main squad before the 24-hour cut is made. Lockyer - who is a Broncos director and would likely have a unique insight into the situation - suggested as much when questioned by league great Wally Lewis about the likelihood of Haas playing.

Darren Lockyer hints at Payne Haas return for Broncos

"He trained (on Monday), he ran yesterday (Tuesday), and he's got to get through one more session," Lockyer told Wide World of Sports' QLDER. "We'll see... the thinking was the Melbourne game (next week) - and with Reece (Walsh also injured) - if we're still a chance of playing finals then they might be worth the risk (against the Storm). But Payne might be ready to go this week."

Haas is a four-time Dally M Prop of the Year and has won five Broncos player-of-the-year awards, highlighting his importance to the team. Lockyer says the confidence his inclusion would bring to the rest of the Brisbane team can't be underestimated and that "if he's there that is a big in for the Broncs."

The Broncos and Dolphins are both equal on 26 competition points and know a loss will end their hopes of playing finals footy in 2024, so the stakes couldn't be any higher. Both sides will need to win their final two matches of the season and hope the Dragons lose one of their remaining games - against the Eels and Raiders - if they hope to finish in the top eight.

The match between the Broncos and Dolphins is set to be played in front of a full house at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday evening. And speaking after Wednesday's session, Broncos enforcer Pat Carrigan kept his cards close to his chest about Haas' potential involvement. The Broncos lock suggested it was touch-and-go whether Haas would play but said if anyone can defy the odds it's the 24-year-old powerhouse.

Broncos coy on Payne Haas' prospects of playing

“He’s been training really well,” Carrigan said on Wednesday. “I’m not sure if he’ll play – obviously that was his first little five-minute involvement in some skills, so we’ll see how he goes. But he’s the ultimate professional. It was obviously just a bit of a reintroduction for him. I’m not really across it, but I think that was just his first day of skills.

"It’s Payne Haas, so you guys know for yourself watching (what he can do)... but there’s no pressure on him, he’s had that sort of injury, and we’re just looking for him to recover and get it right. His foot hasn’t come off the pedal, he’s been leading the way with the rehab boys, and consistency is just what he brings. If he was to get out there, it’d be awesome, but not pressure on him."

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Walters has been in a bullish mood since Brisbane's come-from-behind win over the Eels last week, insisting his side will make the finals this year, after finishing runner-up in 2023. The match is expected to be a fierce battle between the Queensland rivals and Bennett will surely have a point to prove against his former club after being sacked as Broncos coach in 2018 after winning six premierships with Brisbane.

"(Bennett) will want to win for Redcliffe and his own supporters," Carrigan said about the veteran coach. "He was my NRL coach when I was young. I learnt plenty about preparation and training standards and what it means to be an NRL player week in, week out. He has got different colours on this week and I hope we end up with the two points."

NRL state of play with two rounds remaining:

1. Storm - 42 points (+213 for-and-against)

2. Roosters - 36 points (+269)

3. Sharks - 36 points (+204)

4. Panthers - 36 points (+158)

5. Bulldogs - 34 points (+146)

6. Cowboys - 32 points (+43)

7. Sea Eagles - 31 points (+121)

8. Dragons - 28 points (-120)

9. Broncos - 26 points (+2)

10. Dolphins - 26 points (-27)

11. Knights - 26 points (-70)

12. Raiders - 26 points (-131)

Key matches in Round 26:

• Eels v Dragons

• Dolphins v Broncos

• Knights v Titans

• Roosters v Raiders

with AAP