What was Payne Haas doing in Kangaroos camp?

South Sydney recruit Payne Haas visited the Australian Kangaroos camp on Monday simply to catch up for lunch with friends, rather than joining the squad or providing tactical intelligence. Haas had originally planned to represent Samoa at the World Cup before a hand injury ruled him out of the tournament. During his visit to Double Bay, Haas caught up with former coach Kevin Walters and close friends including Pat Carrigan, David Fifita, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

Haas is preparing to begin pre-season training with the Rabbitohs following hand surgery, with Samoa coach Ben Gardiner ruling out any late tournament appearance. Meanwhile, Kangaroos forward Fa’asuamaleaui revealed he considered playing for Samoa alongside Haas, but chose to represent Australia to secure the starting jersey and honour his late father, Fereti, ahead of Sunday's semi-final match.