Jarryd Hayne backflips on claim that Parramatta did not offer him a contract

NEWLY minted Titan Jarryd Hayne says Parramatta did offer him a contract, but only when he asked for one.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA — AUGUST 04: Jarryd Hayne speaks to the media during a media opportunity at Cbus Super Stadium on August 4, 2016 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Glenn Hunt/Getty Images)

JARRYD Hayne has backflipped on claims Parramatta did not offer him a contract to return to the Eels.

A war of words broke out between Hayne and his former club after the code-hopping superstar signed a $2.4 million contract with the Gold Coast Titans on Wednesday.

Hayne claimed he wanted to return to Parramatta following stints in the NFL and rugby sevens but the club in turmoil did not submit him an offer.

The Eels issued a statement saying an offer was made to Hayne’s manager Wayne Beavis and the club was told it was not comparable to what Hayne had received elsewhere.

Hayne trained with his new teammates for the first time on Thursday.

Before his first training session with the Titans on Thursday, Hayne admitted the Eels made him an offer but only after he probed for one.

“They offered me a contract when I asked what was going on,” he said.

“I had to ask. I’ve been unemployed for almost a month now.

“I’ve been knocking back offers for that long waiting for theirs.

“If you have to call someone to ask what’s going on it’s not a good sign.

“I waited as long as I could. They’ve got bigger issues than that.

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“I feel for the playing group and Brad (Arthur, coach) because they’re a great group of guys.”

Parramatta fans have been left seething by Hayne’s decision to join the Titans after he pledged to return to the Eels when he left the NRL for a stint in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.

Some disgruntled fans have even burned Hayne-branded merchandise and the 28-year-old said he understood their frustrations.

“I’m just as frustrated (as Eels fans) that it couldn’t get worked out,” Hayne said.

“They’re obviously upset.

“Some don’t know the full story to the full extent. They’re obviously reacting on what they see and read.

“They’re emotional and so am I. “

If Hayne get through his first two training sessions with the Titans, he will make his debut for the club on Sunday against the Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium.