Klese Haas is embracing a new challenge in 2025, shifting from the edge into the middle, and he will be leaning on some world-class advice to help make the transition a success.
No longer viewing himself as a second rower, Haas says conversations with new head coach Josh Hannay during the off-season helped clarify where his skill set best fits as the Titans continue to evolve under a new-look coaching staff.
“I’m not a back rower anymore, I’m a middle now,” Haas said.
“It came from conversations before pre-season with Josh. He just felt like my skill set was best suited for the middle and I agree with him, to be honest.”
The move brings a different workload and responsibility through the centre of the park, but Haas feels well prepared, and it helps having one of the game’s elite forwards close at hand.
“I’ve got someone obviously in Payne (brother) to talk to about it,” he said.
“He’s someone good I can chat to about it. It’s a big change, but I feel like I’m well equipped for it.”
'A lot of boys have really bought in': Haas
That guidance has been simple but effective.
“He just said in the middle it’s just a grind. It’s just a matter of how long you can go for,” Haas said.
“But I’m lucky enough to share the genes that he has, so I feel like I’m pretty sweet with the change also.”
The positional shift comes as the Titans adjust to new faces and internal promotions that are set to shape the forward pack.
“Obviously Dave (Fifita) is a big piece missing,” Haas said.
“But we’ve got boys like Adzie (Adam Christensen) coming into the club, Josh Patson, all them boys, so I would say we’re ready for it.”
Off the field, Haas says his biggest motivation continues to come from family, spending time with his young children over the Christmas break reinforcing why he’s driven to succeed.
“I’ve got two kids and one on the way,” he said.
“The more I spend time with them, the more I want to succeed in this space. Just trying to perform and be my best for my kids’ future is my motivation.”
The forward also feels a noticeable shift around the club under Hannay, with a strong focus on skill development and leadership standards driving buy-in across the squad.
“It’s obviously really different than the last couple of years,” he said.
“I feel like it’s more skill-driven this year round and a lot of the boys have bought into that.
"You’ve got leaders pushing it like Tino (Fa'asuamaleaui), Vez (Sam Verrills), all them boys pushing it, so it’s good.”
Looking further ahead, Haas hasn’t hidden his ambition to one day follow his brother onto the international stage, and potentially play alongside him.
“The goal is to hopefully one day share the footy field with him,” he said.
“If it was to be for Samoa, it would be that much more special.
"Hopefully that’s the goal for the World Cup, so fingers crossed.”
For now, though, Haas is focused on earning his place in the middle, embracing the change and backing himself to make the most of a new opportunity in Titans colours.
