Hayne wants to prove a point with critics
A DEFIANT Jarryd Hayne has blasted suggestions he is a toxic influence at the Titans and vowed to prove “idiots” wrong by being a matchwinning force for the Gold Coast.
In one of the most candid interviews of his career, Hayne insisted he was a team player and labelled claims he had a bad attitude as “dribble”.
The Dally M star is reportedly on the nose with Sydney clubs, who are said to have no interest in signing Hayne after his turbulent first eight months at the Titans.
But in his 10th match for the Titans on Saturday night, Hayne produced arguably his best game for the club, scoring two tries to inspire a 38-8 rout of the Knights.
A slew of detractors, including former Broncos skipper Justin Hodges, have questioned Hayne’s contribution to the Titans culture, but the NSW Origin hopeful hit back yesterday.
“When you look at the way we played (on Saturday), it shows you how much bull it is,” Hayne said of claims he didn’t fit into the team.
“I’m not good for the team. OK, we won 38-8, tell me what’s up now?
“It’s just the dribble that goes on. I let my football do the talking and that will speak louder than anyone’s comments, words or articles.
“When you let your football do the talking, they (the critics) will look like idiots. We showed that Knights).”
Throughout his decorated career, Hayne has often been described as aloof and difficult to coach.
But the former Australian Test star says a footballing portfolio featuring 186 NRL games, 11 Tests and 20 Origin matches is evidence he is not a self-centred renegade.
In pre-season, Hayne was briefly kicked out of the Titans’ leadership group amid concerns from senior players over (against the his dedication to training.
“The criticism is rubbish more than anything,” he said.
“Your teammates speak volumes for you and I’ve not heard one thing from them (about not being a team player). I’ve heard that from what people (outside the club) perceive or look at.
“Maybe it’s because I don’t show emotion. It is what it is. But at the end of the day, I’ve been in this league for 10 years.
“People need to wake up to themselves.” Friday 8pm: Australia v New Zealand (GIO Stadium, Canberra) Saturday 3.15pm: PNG v Cook Islands (Campbelltown) 5.30pm: Fiji v Tonga (Campbelltown) 7.40pm: Samoa v England (Campbelltown) Sunday 4pm: NSW City v NSW Country Thursday 7.50pm: Canterbury-Bankstown v North Queensland (ANZ Stadium) Friday 6pm: St George-Illawarra v CronullaSutherland (Jubilee Oval); 7.50pm: Wests Tigers v South Sydney (ANZ Stadium) Saturday 3pm: Penrith v New Zealand Warriors (Pepper Stadium); 5.30pm: Melbourne v Gold Coast (Suncorp Stadium); 7.50pm: Manly-Warringah v Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)