- Prop won coveted Paul Morgan Medal for a record sixth time
- Surpassed champion Brisbane halfback Allan Langer
- NRL premiers let their hair down at The Star in Brisbane
Broncos enforcer Payne Haas has etched himself in club history after he was yet again crowned the club’s Player of the Year at Thursday’s Presentation Ball at The Star in Brisbane.
Haas – who won the Paul Morgan Medal consecutively from 2019 to 2023 – surpassed champion halfback Allan Langer to be the only Brisbane player to win the award six times.
The 25-year-old played 24 NRL games this season – and also was awarded the Shane Webcke Award for Best Forward and Gary Balkin Award for Players’ Player.
As the NRL premiers toasted an unforgettable season, other winners included lock Patrick Carrigan (Kevin Walters Award – Most Consistent), Reece Walsh and Kotoni Staggs (Allan Langer Award – Best Back) plus Ben Talty (Cyril Connell Award – Rookie of the Year).
Veteran Ben Hunt snared the Wally Lewis Award – Play of the Year following his epic golden point field goal in extra time during the Qualifying Final triumph against the Raiders.
Carrigan also turned heads after arriving at the black-tie function on a Lime scooter with partner Bronte Gildea, who is a journalist for the Nine Network on the Gold Coast.
The Daily Mail understands the couple rekindled their romance earlier this year after first dating as teenagers.
Meanwhile, Carrigan, Clive Churchill Medal winner Reece Walsh, Gehamat Shibasaki and fellow centre Kotoni Staggs will soon turn their attention to the Ashes series.
Broncos enforcer Payne Haas has etched himself in club history after he was yet again crowned the club’s Player of the Year at Thursday’s Presentation Ball at The Star in Brisbane
Electric fullback Reece Walsh (pictured, middle) and Kotoni Staggs were joint winners of the Allan Langer Award for Best Back
Veteran half Ben Hunt snared the Wally Lewis Award for Play of the Year following his epic golden point field goal in extra time during the Qualifying Final triumph against the Raiders
Kevin Walters’ men take on England at Wembley Stadium (October 25), Everton Stadium (November 1) and Headingley (November 8) across three Tests.
The Kangaroos will be heavy favourites given the talent across their squad, which includes Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary plus Melbourne Storm duo Cameron Munster and Harry Grant.
‘This will be one of the most anticipated Kangaroo Tours in recent memory,’ ARLC Chairman Mr Peter V’landys AM said.
‘The return of the Ashes after 22 years is not just a sporting event – it is a celebration of Rugby League’s rich heritage and enduring rivalry between two countries.
‘To wear the green and gold in an Ashes series is a rare honour.
‘It’s the culmination of years hard work, sacrifice and the reward for all that stood behind every player.
‘This squad will also carry the pride of a nation and the legacy of those who came before them.
‘For these players, their families, and the game itself, being part of an Ashes Tour will be a lifelong memory.’
