Eels claim Hayne in plans but no deal yet

PARRAMATTA have reaffirmed their commitment to Jarryd Hayne despite the superstar revealing the club has not made him an offer.

Hayne is currently off contract and says he is still waiting for a new deal five weeks after the Eels’ season ended.

Eels CEO Bernie Gurr told News Corp there was a “fundamental desire for Jarryd to be at the Eels next year”.

On Friday, the Fijian international revealed on social media that the western Sydney club was yet to offer a new deal.

“5 weeks still waiting for a contract??” he tweeted on October 12.

The next day he also tweeted: “Exactly the same! No offer then no offer now!!!” – making reference to joining the Gold Coast on his return to the NRL in 2016 after a stint in the NFL. Back then, Hayne maintained he wasn’t offered a contract by the blue and gold.

While Gurr was reluctant to disclose whether or not a new contract had been tabled this time around, he did say: “Both Brad Arthur and I have spoken directly with Jarryd Hayne recently and advised him we want to keep him at the club. We want Jarryd with the Eels next year.”

It’s understood those talks took place as recently as last Friday. The Townsville Bulletin also understands the parties are working through a list of conditions the club is looking to place on Hayne.

Hooker Kaysa Pritchard, who was off contract at the end of this season, is about to be thrown a lifeline by the club.

Pritchard only played a handful of matches in 2018 due to another year punctuated with injury.