Only days after Payne Haas pledged his allegiance to Samoa, ticket sales more than doubled for the Pacific Championships clash against a Tonga side boosted by the inclusion of Broncos grand final nemesis Stefano Utoikamanu.

A crowd of more than 35,000 is tipped at Suncorp Stadium for the October 26 clash against Tonga – and Samoan and tournament organisers largely put that figure down to the inclusion of Brisbane’s premiership-winning front-rower.

As Haas continued celebrating the Broncos grand final victory over Melbourne – including carrying a baseball bat known to be swung in anger by Brisbane mentor Michael Maguire – Samoan coach Ben Gardiner revealed how Haas’ decision to quit Australia for the Pacific nation was already reaping rewards.

“When Payne made the announcement back in Au

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