“Obviously, most people will say the damage it [Haas’ presence] does to oppositions is massive. It’s obviously different, he’s got the ability to create things out of nothing, and we have to change some things a bit.
“But … there’s a really athletic, young group of people there. There are so many points of difference for some of these younger guys, who are really taking the game with two hands and really stepping up.
Pat Carrigan in action for the Brisbane Broncos against the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday night.Credit: NRL Photos
“I think it’s exciting they’re stepping up for Payno, so when he comes back, if we all hold that standard, it’s going to be a really, really exciting time.”
The Broncos’ local derby victory will ease the noise around the club’s pack for now, with Willison’s past two performances in particular showing there is a wealth of potential.
Only two errors were made by Brisbane’s forwards – both by Jordan Riki in wet conditions – while the team racked up their most post-contact metres of the season, at 592.
But it was the performance of Baker that presented hope that the club could remain competitive and not thrust the full burden onto Carrigan’s shoulders.
Fletcher Baker produced his most accomplished performance of the year.Credit: NRL Photos
Forced to play 70 minutes against the Panthers, Baker was able to prioritise quality over quantity in 41 minutes against the Cowboys, producing his most accomplished performance of the year.
The former Sydney Rooster said he had not sought to become the side’s new enforcer to replace Flegler.
“He was obviously the enforcer, but I’ll just stick to playing my football, and all the boys play their football,” Baker said.
“Last week I got some bigger minutes, and I’ll keep being exposed to that. When Payne comes back, and [with] Patty, that’s a good forward pack, and all the other boys roll off that.
“That’s where our best footy is, flat and fast.”