Payne Haas is set to miss this year’s State of Origin opener after scans revealed that the world’s best forward suffered a grade 3 MCL injury during Brisbane’s thrilling win over the Wests Tigers on Saturday night.

And the news gets worse for the defending premiers who are set to be without several other stars as they count the cost of their one-point victory in Campbelltown.

Haas came off during the first half with a knee injury and was swiftly ruled out of the remainder of the contest by the club’s medical staff.

Scans have since revealed that he’ll miss at least six weeks, which will rule him out of the first Origin match on May 27.

It’s a mighty blow for the Blues who also lost Sea Eagles superstar Tom Trbojevic last week to a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for up to two months.

The Broncos are already missing Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt, Blake Mozer, Grant Anderson and Billy Walters to injury, while workhorse lock Pat Carrigan has to serve another week due to suspension.

It leaves them incredibly stretched for Friday’s showdown with the Bulldogs, with Brisbane to also be without several other key men after their medical report came through on Monday.

“The Brisbane Broncos can confirm Payne Haas suffered a Grade 3 MCL injury in Saturday night’s game against the Wests Tigers,” it read.

“Based on early medical assessments, Haas is expected to be sidelined for approximately 6-8 weeks.

“Meanwhile, Kotoni Staggs has a plantar fascia strain and Jesse Arthars has sustained a tear to his interosseous membrane.

“Both Staggs and Arthars are working with the club’s medical staff to determine their return to play timelines.

“Following Saturday night’s game, Corey Jensen was also sent for scans which has revealed a pulmonary embolism.

“Jensen remains in hospital and the recovery time is unclear, but he is expected to miss several weeks.”