Broncos forward Payne Haas has posted a heartfelt tribute to his brother, Chace, who has died, aged 21.
The 20-year-old NSW representative poured out his heart on Instagram, saying he is “just going to soldier on till my heart stops like you did”.
Last year, the Haas family shared their incredible story with NRL.com about how Chace became a ventilated quadraplegic after he suffered serious injuries as a five-month-old in a car accident. His parents Gregor and Joan were in the car with Joan pregnant with Payne at the time.
“Confused atm but I know you won’t want me down just going to soldier on till my heart stops like you did! I love you forever my best friend, My role model but most importantly my big brother,” Payne wrote in his Instagram post.
“Going to miss our banter and seeing your big smile whenever I come home to see you but I know you’re going to be watching over all of us every step of the way.
“Thanks for being there for me when no one else was, I’m going to carry your name with me everywhere I go i did this for you before this happened and I’m going to keep doing this for you.
The family tragedy inspiring Haas
“Staunchest person I’ve ever met I’m missing you already honestly, Ride or Die my Hitta I’ll see you soon. Say hello to grandma for me aswell.”
Payne will not be lining up for the Broncos against the Dragons on Friday night as he is serving the first match of a two-game suspension for dangerous contact last weekend against Canberra.
