For NRL Multicultural Round, Gold Coast forward Klese Haas isn’t just reflecting on heritage, he’s using it as fuel.
With ambitions to represent Samoa at the World Cup later this year alongside brother Payne, the Titans middle is embracing both his role in the pack and the deeper meaning behind this weekend’s celebration of culture.
“It’s always in the back of my mind, just being able to represent our culture,” Haas said of Multicultural round and higher honours ambitions.
“And then obviously hopefully share the field with Payne (at the World Cup)… that would be pretty special.”
Haas has already worn international colours for the Philippines, but the opportunity to pull on the Samoan jersey and potentially line up alongside his brother on the world stage adds another layer of motivation as he builds into the season.
That drive will be tested this weekend when the Titans head north to face the North Queensland Cowboys, with Haas’ development in the middle third continuing to trend upward after two rounds.
Transitioning into a full-time middle forward role, the 24-year-old has leaned on the experience around him, including skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika.
“I think it’s been good,” Haas said of his positional change.
“Obviously having Tino, Moe, Kurtis Morrin… those boys to lean on for advice and stuff like that. I feel like I’ve been comfortable there to start the year.”
While it’s still early days, Haas is confident his pre-season has laid a solid foundation to handle the physical demands of the middle.
“I reckon it’s too early to say, it’s round two, but so far I feel like I’ve been holding my own fitness-wise. So I just need to keep going.”
That resilience will be key against a Cowboys outfit looking to chalk up their first win of the season and boasting a powerful forward pack of their own.
Haas said of the improvement needed by his own team.
“I think it’s just continue to show grit,” he said.
“There was a lot of improvements from the first week obviously.
"It’s just that last 15 or 20 minutes that let us down.
"So if we can just stay in the game for 80 minutes, we’ll be all right.”
Even under fatigue, and particularly during periods of repeat defensive sets, Haas pointed to the connection within the group as a positive sign.
“Obviously we were blowing a bit, but just looking left and right, seeing the boys trying to lift us up, keep us going… it felt connected.”
That sense of connection extends beyond the Titans’ four walls this week, as Multicultural Round shines a light on the diverse backgrounds that shape the game.
For Haas, it’s a reminder of what’s possible, and what’s still to come.
With family, culture and a family dream driving him forward, the next step starts in Townsville for Haas.
NRL Multicultural Round
Round 3 is NRL Multicultural Round, where we celebrate Rugby League as a globally connected family.
Though we all have unique stories, together we are one united team.
No matter who you are, there’s a place for you in our game.
Because we are Rugby League - the Greatest Game for All.
