Payne Haas’ year from hell has a beautiful ending as footy star announces birth of his son – and the baby boy has a VERY memorable name

  • Broncos Prop, 25, has become a father for the second time
  • He and his partner also have a three-year-old daughter Lala

NRL star Payne Haas has had a horror year off the football field as his mother and father face incredibly serious criminal charges – but he is set to bounce back in late 2024 following the birth of his son Luckee.

Haas, 25, and his partner Leilani Mohenoa took to Instagram to confirm the news, as the newborn is proudly cuddled by his older sister Lala, who is three.

“Luckee meets Lala, 5.12.24,” the caption read.

The post was flooded with likes and comments from Haas’ Broncos teammates and other footy players, including Kurt Capewell, Blake Mozer, former teammate David Fifita, Panthers four-time premiership winger Brian To’o and Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell.

It comes as Haas recently said it was “pretty cool” to have former NRL bad boy Todd Carney speak to Michael Maguire’s playing group at Red Hill about the importance of making smart choices in life.

Haas said Carney rammed home to “think about your decisions before you do it.”

NRL star Payne Haas (pictured with partner Leilani Mohenoa) has had a horror year off the field – ending 2024 with career highs after the birth of his son Luckee

Haas took to Instagram to confirm the news, posting a photo of the newborn being cuddled by his older sister Lala, who is three (pictured)

Haas took to Instagram to confirm the news, posting a photo of the newborn being cuddled by his older sister Lala, who is three (pictured)

Haas' father Gregor was arrested in May for drug abuse after allegedly smuggling crystal methamphetamine from Mexico to Indonesia

Haas’ father Gregor was arrested in May for drug abuse after allegedly smuggling crystal methamphetamine from Mexico to Indonesia

Haas' mother Joan Taufua (pictured, center) is behind bars awaiting trial after three people died in a car crash involving a vehicle she was driving in 2022

Haas’ mother Joan Taufua (pictured, center) is behind bars awaiting trial after three people died in a car crash involving a vehicle she was driving in 2022

“It could really affect your career… it’s a privilege to be in the position we’re in. Small things can become big things,” the prop said.

‘I’ve followed Toddy’s career. I loved him as a player and to see the man he is now is pretty cool.

‘He went through many things and experiences that he shared with us. We are young players and he was young too. He just told us his experiences and what we should pay attention to.’

Haas also spoke in June about how he struggles with both his parents in prison.

The front rower’s father, Gregor, was arrested in May on drug charges after allegedly smuggling crystal methamphetamine from Mexico to Indonesia. In the worst case, he could receive the death penalty.

His mother Joan Taufua is behind bars awaiting trial on three counts of manslaughter after three people were killed in a car crash involving a vehicle she was driving on the Gold Coast in 2022.

Haas and the Broncos want a fantastic 2025 after finishing 12th this NRL season

Haas and the Broncos want a fantastic 2025 after finishing 12th this NRL season

Taufua is said to have plowed into an oncoming vehicle after fleeing from a police patrol car.

The oncoming vehicle was carrying Steffi Zimmer, her mother Susan Zimmer and her mother’s former partner, Chris Fawcett.

The trio died at the scene and Taufua was hit with a string of charges including manslaughter, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving without a license and evading police.

Taufua was due to stand trial last month lengthy previous delays at the Magistrates Court as she changed her legal representation several times.

There were also further delays related to medical and psychiatric evidence.