State of Origin latest: Haas gets the first call, Addo-Carr rumours mount, Saifiti ruled out

New South Wales State of Origin coach Brad Fittler has no concerns over Payne Haas and says the Brisbane Broncos prop will be in the 22-man list he names on Sunday night.

Haas has been in the headlines this week following his contract dispute with the Broncos. It was the last thing that Fittler needed with State of Origin fast approaching.

The Blues coach said on Friday that the situation was “not ideal”. However having spoken to the player, Fittler is happy that he will be good to go. In fairness Haas showed he can put the drama to one side on Friday night.

The prop put in a fine performance as the Broncos beat the Gold Coast Titans. This despite the fact the Broncos fans booed him throughout the game. So Fittler is happy to put him in ahead of game one on 8th June.

“He was my first phone call,” Fittler said on channel 9’s Sports Sunday. “Payne means a lot to us. He is a young kid, things took speed out of there really quickly with the way that situation came to a head.

“But I have spoken to all parties and everyone is comfortable, especially Payne. He will put that behind him. His shoulder was the biggest problem and he says that the AC joint is doing well and he will be able to get through the 10 days.”

State of Origin surprises

Also speaking on Sports Sunday Fittler confirmed there will be one or two surprises. The Blues coach was obviously staying tight-lipped but did say he has been impressed with a couple of players who could be seen as surprise inclusions.

Meanwhile there has also been suggestions Josh Addo-Carr could be left out. The Fox has had a tough time since making the move to the struggling Canterbury Bulldogs.

The winger recently expressed concerns about his Origin place. And it seems as though he was right to be worried. Reports claim he will not make the 22 but all will become clear tonight.

One player that is definitely out is Newcastle Knights star Daniel Saifiti. He picked up a knee injury in the win over the Warriors on Saturday.

The Knights are waiting to discover the full extent of the injury but Origin is a no-go.

“He’s in a leg brace at the moment. I think they’re thinking MCL. I won’t know until he does his scan,” Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien said.