Titans challenge Hayne with fullback move
FORMER Kangaroos fullback Gary Belcher says Jarryd Hayne’s shift back to the No.1 position puts the onus on the Titans star to get involved and be among the Gold Coast’s best players every week as the club makes a desperate push for the finals.
Hayne has played in the centres since returning from an ankle injury but has been named at fullback by coach Neil Henry for Saturday’s crucial clash against New Zealand at Cbus Super Stadium.
Henry said playing Hayne at centre had been the best fit for the Titans covering injuries and allowing him to get run back into his legs, but he now needed a way to have him with his hands regularly on the ball, something the move to fullback facilitates.
“Putting him back there says ‘we expect you to be one of our best players every week’,” Belcher said.
“The thing about Jarryd is he’s fit now. He played a couple of games, got injured, came back and is probably not the fittest player running around.
“But once he’s match fit – and he’s match-fit now – (fullback) will be great for him.
“You just want the ball in his hands.
“You want him more involved and in some games you can’t get involved from out in the centres.”
Hayne revealed last week he sought assurances he would be playing at fullback before he triggered a contract option to stay on the Gold Coast.
But Henry said his switch was only about what was best for the team – as was his initial move to the centres.
“He acknowledges that the reason he was out in the centres was it was the best fit for the team given the injuries we’ve got,” Henry said.
“He knew that was the best fit and it was also an opportunity for him to get a few more minutes into his legs at the NRL standard before we put him back there.”