Samoa Consider Haas Call-Up as Injury Replacement for World Cup Run

Samoa are considering a dramatic World Cup call-up for Payne Haas as they weigh up an injury replacement for the rest of the tournament. Haas withdrew from Samoa's 40-man squad after finger surgery, but he remains eligible as an injury replacement because he was named in the extended squad, and team officials say they are monitoring his recovery. Any return would need approval from both Haas himself and his new club, South Sydney, who will be reluctant to risk their marquee recruit before the 2027 NRL season. Haas left the Brisbane Broncos ahead of his first season with the Rabbitohs, has moved to Sydney, and is understood to have settled in Maroubra, with coach Wayne Bennett set to make him a key figure in the forward pack. Samoa coach Ben Gardner confirmed the situation is being watched closely, saying discussions will continue over the coming weeks and that the final call rests with South Sydney and Haas. Deine Mariner is currently Samoa's only player ruled out for the rest of the World Cup after injuring his hamstring on debut. A Haas appearance could boost Samoa significantly, but the club-versus-country tension means nothing is decided yet, and South Sydney's priority will be having their star forward fit for the opening round of next season.