Jarryd Hayne to be unleashed when Eels tackle Knights in Maitland
PARRAMATTA fans, it’s time for lift-off. Jarryd Hayne is expected to make his long-awaited return for the Eels — in humble surroundings.
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THE Maitland No. 1 Showground is a long way from the dizzy heights of the San Francisco 49ers’ home at Levi Stadium.
But for Parramatta’s Jarryd Hayne, the humble surroundings could turn out to be the perfect place to show everyone his heart is well and truly back in the NRL.
Four years after quitting the Eels to chase his NFL dream, Hayne is set to make his long-awaited blue-and-gold return in Saturday’s trial against Newcastle.
And the 30-year-old will strive to put to bed the rumours about his pre-season fitness struggles when the Eels take on the new-look Knights.
Only last August the Gold Coast’s all-time favourite player, Preston Campbell, questioned if Hayne was “interested in wanting to play footy any more”.
While he has copped plenty about his fitness since finishing last in a pre-season distance time trial on the Central Coast, coach Brad Arthur has praised Hayne’s commitment back at the club.
Arthur won’t reveal his squad until Wednesday but told The Daily Telegraph he would field his strongest available line-up for the first half.
The coach said the only unavailable players were Clint Gutherson, Siosaia Vave and Tony Williams. So the Hayne Plane is ready for takeoff.
Arthur said he aimed to settle on some combinations before the Eels’ round one game against Penrith.
“And this will be the final opportunity players have to cement a spot in the 17 for round one,” he said.
Hayne is expected to play at centre, not fullback. But it remains to be seen which side of the field he will play, given Michael Jennings has always favoured the left but did a great job last year on the right alongside Mitchell Moses.
Some say Hayne should be at fullback but he was outstanding at right centre in the 2013 World Cup and played on the left last year for NSW.
Arthur said Hayne’s placing in the time trial wasn’t due to attitude.
“He is never going to win that sort of stuff but you know what? When we are doing our footy stuff and speed work, he is in the best couple,” Arthur said.
“It was the same with Semi Radradra. Semi would be last but you have to remember they are different athletes.
“Jarryd’s attitude has been great, unbelievable.”
The Eels are fourth in pre-season premiership betting and Arthur said the battle for spots would be “very competitive”.
In particular, the Eels have a wealth of depth in the forwards and the pressure is on some experienced players to keep their place.
Originally published as Jarryd Hayne to be unleashed when Eels tackle Knights in Maitland
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