Brisbane Broncos prop Payne Haas is making waves in the NRL, with rugby league analyst Matty Johns suggesting he could make history by becoming the first front-rower to win the Dally M Medal since its inception in 1979. Haas has had an incredible start to the 2025 season despite facing adversity, including an injury-interrupted preseason and fasting for Ramadan. His dominant performances, particularly in the Broncos’ victory over the Cowboys, have propelled him into serious contention for the league’s highest individual honor.
Haas’ Stellar Form in 2025
Through the first three rounds of the season, Haas has established himself as the most dominant forward in the competition. His standout performance against the North Queensland Cowboys in the Queensland derby not only showcased his physical dominance but also his skill and athleticism. He scored an impressive solo try and was later awarded the Carl Webb Medal for his efforts.
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Haas received the maximum six Dally M votes for his display against the Cowboys, leaving him just one point behind current leader Kalyn Ponga. Given his current trajectory, he is a strong contender to challenge for the award, even though no prop has ever won it.
The Historical Challenge
Winning the Dally M as a prop is a monumental challenge. The closest any front-rower has come to being recognized as the league’s best player was in 1989, when Newcastle’s Mark Sargent shared the Rothmans Medal. More recently, Jason Taumalolo won the Dally M in 2016, but he played primarily as a lock that year rather than a traditional front-rower. If Haas were to win, he would be the first prop in 46 years to claim the honor, breaking a long-standing tradition in which playmakers and backs have dominated the award.
Despite this historical precedent, Haas’ performances have already set him apart in 2025. His ability to consistently dominate opposition packs, create attacking opportunities, and contribute defensively has made him an invaluable asset to the Broncos.
Johns’ High Praise for Haas
Matty Johns, speaking on The Matty & Cronk Show, did not hold back in his praise for Haas, declaring him the best player in the NRL through three rounds. According to Johns, Haas’ combination with fellow Broncos forward Pat Carrigan is among the best he has ever seen. He compared the duo to some of the most legendary forward partnerships in rugby league history, including Paul Sironen and Steve Roach, George and Sam Burgess, and Glenn Lazarus and Bradley Clyde.
“I haven’t seen a better yardage combination,” Johns said. “Haas is having a phenomenal start to the season. In some ways, it has overshadowed the fact that Pat Carrigan is playing the best football of his career.”
Johns also highlighted Haas’ rare combination of size, speed, and agility, noting that while he possesses the skill set of a smaller lock, he is nearly two meters tall and weighs around 120 kilograms. “He’s fast, he’s got good footwork,” Johns added. “The only difference is, he’s 120 kilos. He is just devastating at the moment.”
Cooper Cronk’s Take on the Broncos’ Forward Pack
Johns’ co-host, Cooper Cronk, also weighed in on the impact Haas has had on the Broncos, particularly their forward pack. Cronk, a former star halfback, expressed his admiration for Brisbane’s powerful pack and noted how much easier it makes life for the team’s playmakers.
“The Broncos have the perfect ingredients—powerful forward pack, smart halves, athletic outside backs,” Cronk said. “And when Payne Haas and Carrigan put it together, I’d love to be Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt. Because you can create momentum … and you could shift to the outside, or you could play straight back through the middle with Reece Walsh.”
With Haas leading the charge, the Broncos’ pack has become a dominant force in the NRL, setting the platform for their playmakers to exploit opposition defenses.
Haas Overcoming Adversity
What makes Haas’ early-season performances even more impressive is the adversity he has faced leading into the 2025 campaign. Offseason ankle surgery initially put his availability for Round 1 in doubt, but he recovered in time to take the field and has quickly established himself as a front-runner for the league’s highest individual honor.
Additionally, as a practicing Muslim, Haas has been observing Ramadan, which requires fasting from sunrise to sunset. Despite the challenges of training and playing under these conditions, he has continued to deliver outstanding performances, further showcasing his mental and physical resilience.
The Path to the Dally M
While Haas’ performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, winning the Dally M will still be a difficult feat. The award traditionally favors playmakers, with halfbacks, five-eighths, and fullbacks typically dominating the voting. However, Haas’ ability to influence games, both defensively and offensively, has put him in contention. If he can maintain his current level of play throughout the season, he has a real shot at making history.
As it stands, Haas remains one of the top contenders for the Dally M alongside players like Kalyn Ponga. If he continues his dominant run, he could rewrite history and establish himself as one of the greatest forwards in the modern era.
Conclusion
Payne Haas is on track to achieve something unprecedented in rugby league history. His exceptional form, coupled with his dominance in the Broncos’ forward pack, has sparked discussion about his chances of winning the Dally M Medal. With strong endorsements from Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk, as well as impressive performances week after week, Haas is proving that he belongs in the conversation for the NRL’s top individual award. While the road ahead is challenging, Haas has already shown that he has what it takes to make history.
