ACHILLES EEL
‘Dedicated’ Hayne finds love of footy he lost at Titans
GOLD Coast’s loss looks to be Parramatta’s gain, with Jarryd Hayne’s teammates insisting the controversial star has rediscovered his love of footy and never looked so dedicated.
In comments to irk disgruntled Titans fans still simmering over Hayne’s messy off-season exit, Eels captain Tim Mannah declared Hayne is defying his reputation as a poor NRL trainer and is primed for a successful comeback at the club.
Hayne’s perceived lack of work ethic – a criticism which resurfaced during his Titans stint – came under fire last week after reports he had been outperformed by Eels coach Brad Arthur in a fitness test.
However, Mannah praised Hayne’s attitude and maturity during the summer.
“I’ve played with him for many years and this is the most dedicated I’ve seen him to his training in terms of doing extra work in the gym, really having a crack on the field,” he said.
“And when the football’s out, he just naturally does what he does. He’s been great this off-season and I’m sure he’s excited as anyone else to get onto the field.”
With the Eels’ season-opener one month away, Mannah insists Hayne is a far different player from the one who made a dramatic exit from the NRL in 2014.
Hayne has since appeared in the NFL and attempted to feature for Fijian sevens team at the Rio Olympics before struggling in his NRL return at the Gold Coast.
He’s also become a father for the first time and has been the subject of a rape allegation in a civil suit stemming from his time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015, which he says he will vigorously defend.
“I feel there’s a bit more maturity about him,” Mannah said. “He’s starting to grow off the field and he’s obviously had some life lessons that he’s gone through and come back a bit more of a complete player, which is good for us as a club.”