NRL star Payne Haas melts hearts with arrival of second child

NRL star Payne Haas melts hearts with arrival of second child

Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas and partner Leilani Mohenoa have welcomed the safe arrival of their second child.

Baby boy Luckee was born on December 5.

The happy couple shared a series of black and white photos of Luckee’s first meeting with big sister Lala, who is three years old.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Download today

“Luckee meets Lala, 5.12.24,” the caption read.

The post was flooded with likes and comments from Haas’ teammates and other players from the NRL community, including Kurt Capewell, former teammate David Fifita, Panthers star Brian To’o.

Lala meets Luckee. Lala meets Luckee.
Lala meets Luckee. Credit: Instagram
Baby Luckee. Baby Luckee.
Baby Luckee. Credit: Instagram

Haas, who has had a string of off-field controversies throughout his career, has often spoken about how becoming a father for the first time changed his life. Daughter Lalita was born in May, 2021.

The 25-year-old is embracing the club’s culture shift under new coach Michael Maguire.

Former NRL bad boy Todd Carney recently came to the club to deliver a speech about thinking before they act, and the consequences of poor choices.

Haas said it was “pretty cool” to have Carney address the playing group and that his message resonated.

Carney, who had his career cut short in its prime due to a string of off-field misdemeanours, was speaking as part of a mandatory NRL education session for clubs.

He has since turned his life around and has a new job as a Gold Coast Titans pathways coach and calls rugby league on radio.

NSW prop Haas, now a well-rounded father and in a good space off the field, had issues early in his career that he dealt with and learned from.

Haas said Carney’s message was about “thinking about your decisions before you do it”.

Haas said it was great to have Carney at the club.Haas said it was great to have Carney at the club.
Haas said it was great to have Carney at the club. Credit: AAP

“It could really affect your career … It is a privilege to be in the position we are. Little things can add up to big things,” Haas said.“I followed Toddy’s career. I used to love him as a player and to see the man he is now is pretty cool.

“He’s gone through lots of things and experiences that he shared with us. We are young players and he was young at the time as well. He was just sharing his experiences and what we should watch out for.”

Haas said the players had embraced the coaching of new mentor Michael Maguire in pre-season as they aim to recover from a dismal 12th-placed finish in 2024.

“We are a young group and just being men about being honest and up front to each other. That’s what we are taking away this pre-season and all the boys are buying in and having a red-hot crack,” Haas said.

“I know what Madge (Maguire) is about, especially having him in Origin. I know what he brings and what he expects of us players which has made it easier to transition. I’ve gone through three coaches now so I am used to it all.”

Haas was close to recently sacked coach Kevin Walters. Walters campaigned for Haas to be given his most lucrative contract extension and the Test forward said at the time how his old coach was a key reason why he had stayed.

Haas has been at the club while Wayne Bennett, Anthony Seibold and Walters were sacked and has never let personnel change in coaching staff impact his own performance.

“Obviously it was hard at the time (when Walters was sacked) but we can’t really dwell on that now,” Haas said.

“We’ve got Madge now and I am enjoying my time under Madge. I’ve got lots of love for Kevvie and he knows that but you can’t really hold onto the past. You’ve got to keep on moving and be present.”

Haas said the Broncos needed to be mentally tougher to play finals next season.

“Just being consistent. We started off all right (in 2024) but dropped off at the end and through the Origin period,” he added.

“It is a mental game footy. When our bodies are sore we have to keep on turning up each week.”

– With AAP

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *