NRL star Payne Haas has raised eyebrows after sharing a life quote on social media the day after his mother was issued a drink-driving charge stemming from a triple-fatal crash last December on the Gold Coast.
The Broncos prop, 23, posted a message via an Instagram story from Zimbabwean Islamic scholar Mufti Menk, who stated: ‘remember that your character should always be stronger than what you’re experiencing in life.
‘We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always control how we react and respond to it. ‘Instead of complaining, choose to give thanks for all the good in your life.’ On Thursday, Haas’ mother Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua faced the Southport Magistrates Court via video link from the Southern Queensland Correctional Centre.
She is charged with three counts of manslaughter and one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, evading police and driving without a licence. Taufua has also been charged with a drink driving offence related to the crash since her case was last mentioned in court back in January.
The 46-year-old was the sole survivor of the crash at Bonogin on the Gold Coast. Susan Zimmer, 70, her partner Chris Fawcett, 79, and Ms Zimmer’s daughter Steffanie died on December 30. It is alleged Taufua was fleeing from Queensland police when the crash occurred. Speaking outside court, Taufua’s lawyer Sophie Dagg said her client was ‘highly remorseful’.
‘They are very tragic circumstances,’ Ms Dagg said. ‘Our thoughts are with the families involved.’ Taufua is due to face court again in April while her son will start for the Broncos on Friday night against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.
