Hayne backs Coast for run at NRL title
JARRYD Hayne has his eyes on the only prize that eludes him in rugby league, saying he can see premiership potential in an injury-free Titans outfit.
Having exercised a $1.2 million contract option to say on the Gold Coast until the end of the 2018 season, Hayne hopes NSW Origin teammate Nathan Peats can also sort his contract with the club as they push for a maiden premiership.
“Hopefully Peatsy gets his deal done soon,” Hayne said.
“He was terrific (for NSW) the other night, he was unbe- lievable. It’s a hard position to play, especially in Origin as well, so he did a great job.”
Peats is the final piece of the puzzle for the Titans for 2018. His signature would lock in an all-star spine for the next 18 months.
And with the likes of Ryan James, Jarrod Wallace, Kevin Proctor and Konrad Hurrell also on board, Hayne said he could see the Titans as premiership contenders.
“I think definitely (we can be contenders). You’ve seen how good we can play when we get things rolling and I think for us, it’s about being consistent and being injuryfree too,” he said.
“We’ve had a heck of a lot of injuries and that hasn’t helped get the cohesion because there’s different players coming in and out.
“But definitely when we’re all on the field, we look great.”
Like it or not, contract speculation will continue to follow Hayne, who will be back on the open market by November 1 if the Titans do not extend his deal before then. But the cross-code star said he had few thoughts about leaving the Coast before exercising his option.
“I wanted to stay up here and if there was anywhere that I’d go, it would obviously be back to Parra but that wasn’t to be,” he said.
“I’m happy up here, it’s a good bunch of guys and I’m looking forward to the future.
“I’m excited to stay at the club and I’ve enjoyed my time on the Gold Coast, especially living up here as well, it’s been awesome and I’ve really enjoyed it.
“Who knows (whether I’ll finish my career here). I don’t really think too far ahead, I haven’t figured that out.”
Hayne did seek assurances he would be playing at fullback before recommitting to the Titans though.
The star confirmed he’d had conversations with coach Neil Henry about his position on the field before confirming his future.
“I wanted to know that the future and where the coach saw me and that’s the discussions we were having (before I re-signed),” Hayne said.
“That was obviously a key in me re-signing because that’s where I see myself.
“And also getting their thoughts as well, where they see the future.”
YOU’VE SEEN HOW GOOD WE CAN PLAY WHEN WE GET THINGS ROLLING ... JARRYD HAYNE