Haas stars in trial to boost Brisbane starting claims

Broncos prop Payne Haas answered Anthony Seibold’s call for "actions" in the trials with a barnstorming display in the 42-0 win over Souths-Logan.

Haas announced his intention to challenge for a bench position at least in the club’s round-one NRL clash with the Storm in Melbourne as he toyed with the Souths-Logan Magpies defence in Warwick.

The 19-year-old's athleticism and power sent a warning to the rest of the NRL that he is ready to make an impact on the competition in 2019 after injury limited his Telstra Premiership appearances last year to just three, all off the bench.

Haas tore through the defensive line early in the second half and then showed the agility and speed of an outside back to score. The 194cm and 120kg giant left the field late in the game after colliding with the goal post and copping a whack on the head but seemed in little discomfort as he made his way to the bench.

"Payne did a great job," Broncos assistant coach Kurt Richards said.

"He had big raps last year and he didn't get a chance to show what he could, but that was a good stepping stone for what he can do this year.

"We played Payne for extended minutes to get his match fitness up, he ran hard and got us quick play the balls.

"I was happy with the overall performance, we gave away 14 or 15 penalties but the effort was there."

Tevita Pangai jnr, Joe Ofahengaue and Matt Lodge are favoured to get the first crack at securing the starting middle forward positions against the Storm and Seibold has indicated two bench spots are up for grabs. 

Haas's display may well keep him in the frame to start due to his big engine.

Brisbane’s 21-year-old lock Pat Carrigan also made his case for consideration with an impressive display.

If the Broncos made one statement in the trial it was that Seibold has a posse of talented youngsters to ensure success over the next decade.

Brisbane’s 17-year-old half Tom Dearden, in his first season at the Broncos since starring for Palm Beach Currumbin High in the GIO Cup final last year, scored two tries in a display that earmarked him as a star of the future.

He showed his class early with a scheming run from close range to bamboozle the Souths-Logan defence and score. It was Dearden again who came to the fore in the 32nd minute with a weaving incision after a show and go where he showed great strength and elusiveness to score.

"Our halves were good," Richards said. "Tommy is only 17 and he did great job. We have good hopes for Tom, he will go a long way towards playing Queensland Cup this year".

Halfback Cory Paix also impressed when he got his chance in the second half with a 30-metre scoot to score after earlier going close.

Broncos captain Jake Turpin, who played two NRL games for Brisbane last year, showed he will be a handy hooker back-up if Andrew McCullough is injured this year. Turpin scooted over from dummy half in the opening period and was heavily involved in a classy second half try to Tesi Niu.

The Broncos have also unearthed an outside back of real promise in 19-year-old Englishman Herbie Farnworth, who showed electric speed and strength on the wing.

Fijian flyer Ilikena Vudogo played in the final quarter where the former rugby star showed glimpses of his electrifying speed.

Vudogo, who is still learning the finer points of rugby league, will play with Souths-Logan this year and is expected to see some Intrust Super Cup action.

Brisbane Broncos 42 (Tom Dearden 2, Jake Turpin, Payne Haas, Tesi Niu, Richie Kennar, Cory Paix, Xavier Coates tries, Herbie Farnworth 5 goals) beat Souths-Logan 0.