Gold Coast Titans debutant Klese Haas has pinpointed the tragic loss of his older brother Chace as the moment he decided to firmly devote himself to his rugby league career.
The 20-year-old forward, younger brother of Brisbane Broncos prop Payne Haas, was outstanding off the bench in the 36-26 win over Newcastle with his barnstorming runs and tough defensive work.
Chace Haas died in 2020 aged 21, having lived most of his lift in a wheelchair after a car accident in 1999.
Klese had earlier watched on as Payne Haas took the NRL by storm at the Broncos as an 18-year-old, and later become one of the game's leading forwards.
Through tragic circumstance, Klese said he found something deep within him when his career was drifting.
"It was a bit tough being in Payne's shadow a bit," he told AAP.
"Then when my brother (Chace) passed away that was big. That is when I thought that it was all about making my family proud. Once I thought about that, it was all good from there.
"My brother passing could have been really bad for our family, but it brought us all together as one."
Klese's parents made his jersey presentation on Saturday at an emotional ceremony attended by his brother Payne and extended family.
He said he still felt "a little bit" in Payne's shadow but said his brother had been an inspiration.
"Payne was really big for me," he said.
"Just seeing how much he loved footy made me love footy too. Throughout my whole career, when I wouldn't be pushing, he would be there saying, 'Come on. I know you've got it. You've just got to push more'.
"Being a weakling at the time, I didn't really want to listen to him."
Klese just wants to taste more NRL action after a memorable debut
"I don't think I have the words for what it was. It was everything i thought it would be and more," he said.
"The whole week the boys were saying, 'We've got to turn up for Klese's debut'. That meant a lot and showed me how much I mean to them as a person.
"I love these boys. I want to be here again. I can't wait for more."
Titans coach Justin Holbrook said Klese's debut "worked out perfect"
"We are all pleased for Klese today, to not just make his debut but to get the win for him. He has earned the opportunity through all his hard work," Holbrook said.
Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui said Klese was "very good" on debut and would play a lot more NRL.
"You know you are going to get one hundred per cent from him," he said.
"He runs hard and tackles hard every time. I am so glad I am playing with him because he is our future and he is going to make a name for himself."
