Haas on report, Piakura stars as Broncos beat Cowboys

Brisbane prop Payne Haas was put on report in the Broncos’ 46-20 trial win over North Queensland.

Brisbane prop Payne Haas was put on report as back-rower Brendan Piakura turned on a masterclass in the 46-20 NRL pre-season trial win over North Queensland.

Haas was put in report in the first half for a swinging arm on Cowboys bench hooker Kyle Schneider during Sunday’s clash in Mackay.

The star 24-year-old prop’s next scheduled match is the round-one clash with the Sydney Roosters in Las Vegas.

Haas, who ran for a powerful 125m in a blockbusting first-half display, has a nervous wait for the charge sheet from the match review committee, although there didn’t appear much in the incident.

The Broncos got plenty out of the trial, which featured fullback Reece Walsh in electric form.

Piakura is set to take the starting second-rower position in the NRL that was vacated by Kurt Capewell, who is now at the Warriors.

The 21-year-old scored two tries where he showcased his brilliant “hole-running” ability against an understrength Cowboys.

“Piakura is a very special player. He has great movement, great skill and can be a real X factor for the Broncos this season,” former Broncos centre Brent Tate said in Fox League commentary.

Veteran winger Corey Oates had a quality start to his season when he crossed in just the second minute.

His try came after Walsh chimed in and found new centre Selwyn Cobbo.

Cobbo’s soft hands were a feature as he set up Oates to perfection.

Halfback Adam Reynolds owned the second try with a double pump and silky short ball for flying backrower Piakura to race into a giant hole to score with ease.

Cowboys winger Semi Valemei swooped on a long Walsh pass to race away against the run of play, before Piakura scored his second by showcasing classy late footwork to get himself outside the defenders just as he was about to receive the ball.

The unheralded  Cowboys took it to the Broncos late in the first half.

Powerhouse back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki carried three Broncos over the tryline with him, before  hooker Sam Mullany charged through some poor Broncos defence.

After half-time the Broncos’ big guns came to the fore, with Cobbo snaring a try from a bomb and Walsh scoring a cracker after an interchange of passing with Cobbo.

Last year’s NRL grand finalists didn’t look back from there, with the speedy Walsh setting up Tristan Sailor for a try.

Giant 205cm Broncos prop Ben Te Kura impressed in his late cameo appearance and scored a try.