LOVE MATCH
Hayne gushes over Gold Coast as deadline looms
JARRYD Hayne is a fortnight away from finalising his future as he gave the strongest indication yet he will remain at the Titans, saying: “I love the Gold Coast.”
Hayne’s revelation came as NSW coach Laurie Daley revealed the Titans superstar only needs to maintain his form and fitness to clinch a sky blue jumper for Origin I.
While Hayne has until May 31 to notify Titans hierarchy whether he will activate a 12month option in his favour for next season, a definitive call is imminent.
The two-time Dally M Medallist admits he has navigated some “dark days” during his opening eight months at the club, but dismissed suggestions that he is poised to quit the Titans.
“I love the Gold Coast,” Hayne said.
“It has been a great spot, just coming up here and from the get-go, the community has been great and the vibe is awesome. I am trying to figure what’s going to happen next year. In a couple of weeks, I will make a decision.
“I haven’t thought about it (his future) deeply, I’m worrying about football more than anything.”
Hayne scoffed at suggestions he will extend his tenure at the Titans only because no other team in the NRL is interested in signing him.
Titans coach Neil Henry remains hopeful Hayne will commit to the club, dismissing claims the former Eels fullback is not a team player.
“I enjoy coaching the good players and that includes Jarryd,” Henry said.
“People will keep talking about it (the contract) for another three or four weeks, but it’s up to Jarryd.
“Our offer is in place, he knows what it is and it’s up to his manager to source what he wants.
“The indication I’m getting is that he likes it here, there’s no dramas.”
“He’s a good player, he’s finding his feet after a long layoff and he has a lot more to offer the club.
“Once Jarryd makes a call, we either have to have a Plan B or he stays and we build knowing he’s here.
“It’s not holding up our recruitment at all.
“Our salary cap is sitting there as if he is staying so we’ll wait and see.”
Blues coach Daley revealed he phoned Hayne after his two-try effort against the Knights last Saturday and admitted he will be hard to ignore for Origin I.
“I spoke to him. He’s more than in the mix (for NSW),” Daley said on Fox’s NRL 360 program on Monday night.
“He’s got to keep playing well and stay injury free.
“He played well (against Newcastle).
“He reminds me of ‘GI’ (Queensland superstar Greg Inglis). There’s no denying he’s a class player and some people are critical of the output he has in game but one thing when gets the ball ... he can go bang and win you a game.”
Hayne was at his brilliant best against the Knights, playing more as a centre and in the halves.
The more chances he got with the ball, the more he showed he was still capable of mixing it with the game’s elite.