Jarryd Hayne kicks winning field goal as Titans down Tigers 19-18

“THIS is my house.” Jarryd Hayne’s return to Sydney’s west was a triumphant one, a last minute field goal keeping the Titans alive and torpedoing the Tigers finals hopes in one.

Jarryd Hayne kicks the match winner.

JARRYD Hayne says “anything is possible” this season after the Gold Coast’s superstar recruit kicked a remarkable field goal to keep the Titans’ premiership hopes alive.

Hayne announced his return to the NRL in his home town yesterday, slotting a remarkable drop goal as the Titans trumped Wests Tigers in a 19-18 boilover at Campbelltown Stadium.

Just 5km from where he grew up in Minto, Hayne calmly kicked a one-pointer from 30m out with eight seconds to go to keep the Gold Coast’s hopes of a drought-breaking finals berth alive.

It was a stunning play from an incredible player, coming just two games into his return to the NRL following nearly two years chasing dreams in the NFL and rugby sevens.

VIDEO: The hit that ends Tigers 2016

Hayne stood on the Campbelltown turf for the first time with his arms held wide and screamed “this is my house” as he savoured the moment.

“It was very special and you saw that by the celebrations. You couldn’t have written the script any better,” Hayne said.

“I’m blessed to kick the field goal at the ground I grew up at.

“I definitely didn’t plan (to say that). During the game there was a bit of lip with Mitch (Moses) and (Aaron Woods).

“As soon as I kicked it I looked at them and said ‘I know this is your home ground but this is my house’. Everyone knows I grew up here and I’ve never played an NRL game here.

“I went into my mode when I was at Fiji sevens of kicking field goals. That’s to really take your time and get the drop right.

“I took an eternity to get the ball down but when you hit it that good that’s why.”

FIVE THINGS: James in trouble

The Titans bounced back into the top eight on the back of Hayne’s brilliant play, which came after Tigers sensation James Tedesco suffered a suspected broken jaw in an awkward tackle by Ryan James.

The Gold Coast was destined for a crucial win leading 18-10 with 10 minutes to go before Tigers winger David Nofoaluma scored an incredible brace to set up a grandstand finish, only for Hayne to steal the thunder.

Hayne’s 53-minute cameo in his return against the Warriors last weekend was classy, but his clutch play yesterday was the sign that he has lost none of his brilliance over the past two years.

At 28, he is in the prime of his career and could be the x-factor the Titans have been looking for as they launch an assault on the premiership.

“If we can get rhythm in our attack, anything’s possible,” Hayne said.

“It’s all about momentum. (Broncos coach) Wayne Bennett always says that.

“Teams with momentum are hard to beat. If we can get on a roll with our attack and keep our defence at a high standard that will put us in good stead.

“I think I’m going all right. I’m really just trying to play my part and fit into the system and I feel I’m doing that.

“I’ve always felt comfortable. You get rhythm the longer you play with the guys.

“The guys have been great, they’ve really welcomed me with open arms.

“The Gold Coast community has embraced me and that’s been really special. It’s kept me calm and upbeat.”

Hayne was in the thick of the action early, having a hand in Anthony Don’s two tries which gave the Titans a 12-10 lead at halftime despite the Tigers having the bulk of possession.

The Titans had a slice of fortune when The Bunker denied Moses a try for a controversial obstruction which proved pivotal when Nene Macdonald raced 92m to score off an intercept.

The Tigers looked gone when Tedesco was forced off with 20 minutes to go but Nofoaluma scored a sensational double.

Titans halfback Ashley Taylor missed two field goal attempts before Hayne stepped up to show him how it is done.

GOLD COAST 19 (A Don 2 J Hoffman N MacDonald tries A Taylor goal J Hayne field goal) bt WESTS TIGERS 18 (D Nofoaluma 2 K Naiqama tries M Moses 2 J Rankin goals) at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Referee: Gavin Badger, Ben Cummins. Crowd: 16,783.