Brisbane prop Payne Haas has confirmed he will sit out the Rugby League World Cup for personal reasons after winning the Broncos' player of the year award for a fourth consecutive season.
The 22-year-old, who was heartbroken when his mother Uiatu 'Joan' Taufua was recently sentenced to jail until October 1 for assaulting security staff at the Star Casino, is set to have shoulder surgery.
Haas' withdrawal is a big blow for the Australian side after State of Origin props Junior Paulo and Josh Papali'i confirmed their allegiance to Samoa.
