Payne Haas storms into Dally M contention after Round 8 heroics

Brisbane powerhouse Payne Haas has stormed into Dally M Medal contention after a monster performance against the previously unbeaten Bulldogs, lifting the Broncos to a stunning 42-18 win in Round 8.

Haas, 25, was unstoppable in the middle of the park, collecting five Dally M votes alongside veteran halfback Adam Reynolds. The Broncos’ emphatic victory saw them explode out to a 34-0 halftime lead, dismantling the competition leaders with a dazzling first-half blitz.

In a trademark dominant display, Haas ran for 230 metres from 28 carries, busting through six tackles, producing five offloads, and notching both a linebreak assist and a try assist.

Defensively, he was just as lethal, making 26 tackles without a single miss.

Reynolds was the architect behind Brisbane’s attacking onslaught, tallying three try assists as the Broncos reaffirmed their status as premiership heavyweights.

The stellar showing has propelled Haas into third place on the Dally M leaderboard with 21 points, behind Sharks custodian Will Kennedy (24) and Wests Tigers enforcer Terrell May (23), who surged after his own monster game in a golden-point thriller against Cronulla.

Despite the Sharks’ heartbreaking loss, Kennedy maintained his spot atop the standings thanks to a scintillating solo effort that included 202 running metres, a try, and eight tackle busts.

Other standouts from the Anzac Round included Melbourne’s Eli Katoa, Manly’s Haumole Olakau’atu, and Warriors livewire Luke Metcalf, who each earned the maximum six Dally M votes.

With the Dally M leaderboard set to be locked away after Round 12, the race for the game’s top individual honour is heating up, and Payne Haas has firmly put himself in contention for a serious tilt at the title.

While punters are unable to bet on the Dally M until votes go private after Round 12, expect Haas to be among the top favourites when markets open with top online bookmakers.

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