Titans coach backs Hayne over spats
GOLD Coast coach Neil Henry has leapt to the defence of Jarryd Hayne after some pundits criticised his attitude in last week’s surprise win over Cronulla.
Former Australian internationals Mark Gasnier and Justin Hodges said Hayne’s arguments with young halfback Ash Taylor, followed by his spray at English recruit Dan Sarginson after he dropped a ball, might send the wrong message.
“Those guys – Ash Taylor, (Tyrone) Roberts – they can learn bad habits from him,” Hodges told Fox Sports’ Sunday Ticket.
“I saw a play where he went down the short side, hit the winger (with a pass), he’s dropped it, (Hayne has) blown up and carried on about it.”
Henry said he was not concerned over the spats between Hayne and Taylor as the Titans recorded their second win of the season.
“They’re always fighting for the ball, they’re competitive guys and if Ash wants the ball and Jarryd wants the ball they’re going to argue a little bit,” he said.
Hayne (pictured) was impressive in last week’s win and Henry will be hoping for more of the same from his fullback ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s clash with cellar-dwellers the Newcastle Knights at Cbus Super Stadium.
“People are never satisfied with what Jarryd does, the benchmark is so high that they can find a way to have a crack at him about something,” Henry said.
Henry also backed Hayne to keep up his good form in the hope of earning a place in the New South Wales squad for the first State of Origin game at Suncorp Stadium on May 31.