JUST PICK AND STICK
PARRAMATTA champion Ray Price says he would have Jarryd Hayne in his team any day of the week as Gold Coast chief executive Graham Annesley rubbished claims the club is ready to offload the Blues ace.
Hayne has been a divisive and often unpopular figure among rugby league fans on the Gold Coast, slammed for his apparent lack of commitment and perceived role in the knifing of coach Neil Henry.
However, Price defended the former Eels star and was stinging in his criticism of the Titans for not picking their marquee signing in his preferred No.1 jersey enough.
“Well see the Titans, they invite Jarryd to play fullback and they put him on the wing or in the centres,” he said, having seen Hayne start five matches in the centres during the 2017 season.
“That’s not a way of starting off in the good books with Jarryd Hayne. They have themselves to blame.”
Asked how to get the best out of the two-time Dally M winner, Price said if the Gold Coast put faith in the man they have thrown millions at, he will repay them in spades with a standout 2018 season.
“You don’t have to do anything then,” he said.
“I guarantee you he will play the football that they want. He is a very good footballer. got
“He doesn’t stop trying. would have him in my side.”
As for who is the right man to be Hayne’s ninth coach at NRL level – not including Titans interim coaches Terry Matterson and Craig Hodges – Price declined to name a specific candidate but offered the club a simple word of advice.
“The right coach is a coach that can talk to the players,” Price said.
“If you can’t talk to the players, you can’t coach.” I
Annesley confirmed the hunt for a new mentor is on track to be finalised by early October.
The Titans boss added rumours of Hayne being released to Cronulla for next season had no substance to them.
“I know absolutely nothing about it,” Annesley said.
“We have not had discussions about Jarryd Hayne with anybody ... it is complete news to me or anyone else at this club and Jarryd Hayne.”