Payne Haas faces surgery on fingers before Rugby League World Cup

Brisbane Broncos prop Payne Haas will undergo surgery next week to address chronic issues with two fingers on his left hand. The procedure, which involves the insertion of pins to straighten the affected digits, casts doubt on his availability for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. Haas committed to representing Samoa at the tournament, but he has stated that his participation remains uncertain pending medical consultation. The Brisbane Broncos missed the NRL finals, providing a one-month recovery window for the forward before the World Cup begins on October 15. Although Haas maintains that playing for Samoa is a priority, he must also balance national team duties with his transition to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2027 season. He intends to coordinate with medical staff to determine if he will be fit to lead the Samoan forward pack.

• 2:08 AMZero Tackle NRL — Payne Haas provides World Cup health update amid finger injury