Last ride: Patty and Payne vowing to go out on a high

“Obviously, personally he's one of my best mates,” Carrigan said.

“We came in as kids here and been through a lot of adversity and grown both on-and-off the field together too, so our relationship will extend long past these four walls.

“But I think for the club and for the game – I don't even know how many Paul Morgan Medals (Broncos NRLM player of the year awards) he's won but he's definitely well clear.

"I think (it’s) him and Alf – his legacy and the standards that he's set around the place I can see in all the younger boys and that's the testament of his mark on this place.

“We started our journey together, but hey that's life...

“In my opinion, he's the best front-rower in the game, so I know it's hard to replace with one person, but they've probably have done a good job with recruitment and guys like Mitch Barnett, Xavier Willison ... great additions to the club."

As he prepares to sign off after 159 games as a Bronco, Haas was full of praise for Carrigan's leadership qualities.

"Everyone sees what he does on the field, but I think off the field, the way he carries himself, the way he speaks, he gives us lots of confidence on the field and off the field as well," Haas said. 

“(He is) someone I have looked up to during my career and the way you hold yourself, I try to hold myself in that way as well."

Asked what he would miss most about the Broncos after giving his heart and soul to the club for a decade, Haas said simply, "just the boys, to be honest".

“Obviously this club's a very special club and we get looked after, but I think more the connection with the boys and the way we get along.

“Everyone's united and (that's) something I'm going to really miss.

“(I am) just trying to enjoy this week and really enjoy the time with these boys.

“I remember coming in a bit raw and I got in a bit of trouble the first few years of my career, but if it wasn't for the Broncos... I wouldn’t be a better man and especially the footy player I am, it's because of them.”

With the club also farewelling premiership-winning squad members Adam Reynolds, Gehamat Shibasaki and Jesse Arthars, Carrigan said there was plenty of motivation to finish with a win.

“First and foremost, this is the last game that you're left with... obviously we're not playing finals this year so it's something you'll sit on and ponder on and be there for the whole pre-season leading into next year," Carrigan said.

“It has been a disappointing year by our own expectations and standards and it takes individuals like myself to sit back and review your own performances and then also as a club to review the wider things and I'm sure we'll do that over the next couple of weeks.

“But there's an opportunity this week to end on a positive note, where we can set ourselves up for an off-season.”

Beyond Thursday's game, there may still be some football left for Haas his year, despite some speculation he would be ruled out of contention for the Rugby League World Cup.

Haas said the final call rested with medical staff but he even if he was ruled out of playing, he was still keen to be involved for Samoa.

“I'll talk to the medical team this week and see what happens from there, but once I know and once we find out, everyone will know," Haas said. 

“I would like to be involved in mentoring in some sort of way, I hope I can.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.