Many of the NRL stars in Sunday night’s grand final wouldn’t be where they are without the support of those closest to them. But for Brisbane Broncos stars Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs it rings particularly true.
Staggs has been the best centre in the game over the last two months, leading the Broncos to a top-four berth and into the grand final. He was named Dally M centre of the year on Wednesday night and will reportedly be picked in the Kangaroos squad for the Ashes.
Sunday night’s grand final against the Melbourne Storm will be Staggs’ second, after the heartbreaking loss to Penrith in the 2023 decider. But his career was at a crossroads back in 2021, and he only turned things around thanks to his fiancee Brittany Becht.
Four years ago, Staggs had to front NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, who told him he was only one indiscretion away from being sacked. But he got back on track – largely thanks to fiancee Becht – who he credits with keeping him on the straight and narrow and growing as a person away from the game.
Four years ago, Staggs had to front NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, who told him he was only one indiscretion away from being sacked. But he got back on track – largely thanks to fiancee Becht – who he credits with keeping him on the straight and narrow and growing as a person away from the game.
Last month he admitted he wouldn’t be where he is if it wasn’t for meeting Becht. “Meeting my partner was a big change for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without what she has done for me,” he said. “I needed someone like that to be able to give me a nudge to pull my head in. She’s done that, been by my side ever since and that was the turning point.”
Payne Haas’ fiancee has been a rock
As for Haas, his fiancee Lani has been an absolute rock amid some tough years for his family. Haas was crowned prop of the year on Wednesday night and was instrumental in the Broncos taking down the Panthers in the preliminary final.
He’s the undisputed best front-rower in the game, but his exploits on the field are all the more remarkable when you consider what he’s been through off it. The 25-year-old is the primary care-giver for two of his young brothers – Hans and Geejay – who are both still at school, and also has a young daughter of his own with Lani.
Haas’ parents are both currently in jail, with father Gregor arrested in the Philippines last year charged with drug trafficking. His mother Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua is also facing manslaughter charges, and is accused of fleeing a car accident on the Gold Coast in 2022 that resulted in three deaths.
Speaking last year, Haas paid tribute to Lani for the way she’s held the family together – including helping him take care of his young brothers. “I get supported by Lani and I’m unable to thank her enough,” he said. “She is in a tough spot but she doesn’t back down from anything. She has taken on so much for me and I can’t thank her enough for that.”
Lani said of Haas: “I’m just so proud of him. He is so strong mentally. His whole life is in the media. What he is doing for his family, what he is doing for me. I’m sorry if I can’t put it into words. His strength is just … he is amazing. He’s really stepped up to care for those young boys. I don’t know how he doesn’t collapse.”
