Gasnier wants Hayne to take wing
JARRYD Hayne has been urged to rewind the clock a decade and don the Parramatta No. 2 jersey for 2018.
Despite the Eels’ prodigal son being tipped to make his homecoming at centre, Kangaroo great Mark Gasnier wants to see the two- time Dally M medallist at right wing.
Should that happen, it would be Hayne’s first appearance on the Blue & Gold’s flanks since Round 18, 2008 – when the then- teenage prodigy played South Sydney at Homebush.
“I really believe he can be most threatening from out there ( wing),” said Gasnier. “If Jarryd plays right wing it means Bevan French can still wear the No. 1 while Haynsey then plays like a second fullback, with the pair of them alternating on different sets.
“It would mean Jarryd could come in and ball play at different times – which is when he’s at his best – and then sit himself on the short side for certain plays.
“Another one of Hayne’s real strengths is his kick returns. Playing wing enables him to do that while switching in and out with French.”
Gasnier stressed he had no problem with coach Brad Arthur playing Hayne at three- quarter.
“I’m not saying Jarryd can’t play centre – he can,’’ the Fox Sports analyst continued. “And I actually think he’s in for a massive year. Wherever he plays, I think everybody is going to be saying: ‘ Haynsey is really back.’ But I just see so much upside to him playing wing.”
Gasnier also laughed off concerns about Hayne’s fitness, following reports both coach Arthur and his young son had beaten the recruit in pre- season fitness drills.
“I remember rep teams where Nathan Hindmarsh came last in every drill, too,” Gasnier said. “Then he’d go out and make 60 tackles.”