State of Origin star opens up about his harsh upbringing as both his parents sit behind bars waiting to learn their fate on VERY serious charges

NSW Blues enforcer Payne Haas has opened up about his testing childhood – as both his parents sit in jail to learn their respective fates as they face serious criminal charges.

From a young age, Haas was taught to treat his surroundings with pride.

Tasks such as making his bed each morning and taking out the garbage bins were non-negotiables.

Haas also revealed he ‘saw things’ some kids shouldn’t see – and he won’t allow his two younger brothers or own young children to be exposed to similar negative environments.

A generational footy talent, the prop made his NRL debut as a teenager in 2018 with the Broncos, and is now arguably the best front-rower in the game alongside Kiwi international Joe Tapine.

Away from footy, Haas has endured more than most in recent years.

NSW Blues enforcer Payne Haas (pictured, with partner Leilani) has opened up about his testing childhood – as his parents both sit in jail to learn their fate as they face serious charges 

Haas’ mother Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua is in remand awaiting her sentence for manslaughter in relation to her role in a triple fatal crash on the Gold Coast in 2022

His father Gregor Haas remains behind bars in the Philippines, accused of smuggling 5kg of methamphetamine in late 2023

His mother Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua is awaiting her sentence for manslaughter in relation to her role in a triple fatal crash on the Gold Coast in 2022, while his father Gregor Haas remains behind bars in the Philippines.

He stands accused of smuggling 5kg of methamphetamine from Mexico to Jakarta in December of 2023.

If extradited to Indonesia and convicted, Haas could face execution by a firing squad.

With both his parents incarcerated, Haas quickly became the family provider.

A father of two, Haas is now also the legal guardian of his younger siblings Hans and Geejay – who he is determined to see stay on the right path.

‘I don’t want them to see the things that I saw as a kid,’ Haas previously told News Corp.

‘I do get sad for my brothers. It’s been hard on them to deal with all this, but I’m just blessed that (partner) Leilani is so understanding.

‘I’m lucky that I’m in a good spot now where I can actually help them, give them a head start in life.’

Haas has also embraced his – at times – chaotic life.  

‘I love being a father and being around my family. I don’t really do much outside of footy these days,’ he said.

‘Some people might think it’s boring, but with what I’ve had to take on, the most important job in my life now is being a good person and mentor for them and then footy comes after that.

‘Once upon a time, I wasn’t a good role model to be honest. But you grow up in life and all I care about now is raising good kids with manners and good morals who treat people well.’