Jarryd Hayne is still in the mix for State of Origin, says NSW coach Laurie Daley

NSW coach Laurie Daley has declared he would have no hesitation inviting Jarryd Hayne back into the Origin arena for the first time since 2014.

Hayne knows Origin success — but needs to rediscover his best form. Photo: Gregg Porteous

NSW coach Laurie Daley has declared he would have no hesitation inviting Jarryd Hayne back into the Origin arena for the first time since 2014.

In the wake of reports that Hayne’s future at the Gold Coast Titans is on tenterhooks after being removed from the club’s leadership group, Daley confirmed the former Dally M winner remained firmly on his radar.

“In 2014, he was the best player in the game and he was very influential in NSW winning that Origin series,’’ Daley said.

“I’ve certainly never had any dramas with him in terms of training or being a distraction. He’s always been a guy who has been willing to be part of the team.

“In fact in 2014, he was a really good leader for us, he took up a leadership role within the team and played accordingly. He’s like everyone else, it will come down to who is playing well.’’

WATCH: HAYNE INJURED AS TITANS DECIMATED

Hayne’s last appearance for the Blues was also the state’s last series win, in 2014 — the same year he was the game’s leading tryscorer and Dally M fullback and player of the year.

The 29-year-old was also the man of the match in game one of the 2014 series, however he faces stiff competition from rival fullbacks and Blues contenders, James Tedesco, Josh Dugan and Matt Moylan.

“One thing we do know with Jarryd is, you put him on a big stage and he’ll play well,’’ Daley said.

“He’s a guy that loves that sort of contest and he’ll be someone who hopefully can get a bit of match fitness under his belt and then come back and show people what he’s really got.’’

Hayne knows Origin success — but needs to rediscover his best form. Photo: Gregg Porteous

Despite a two-year hiatus from the Origin arena following his NFL-odyssey, Hayne’s 20-games of Origin experience, could be called upon by Daley, following the retirement of captain Paul Gallen and departure of former Blues mainstay, Greg Bird, to the Super League.

“It has been a changing guard over the last two years, I think we debuted eight guys last year and then you’ve got Gal (Gallen) moving on and Birdy (Bird) moving on. Those guys have been incredible for our state,’’ Daley said.

“Now it’s time for some of the other guys to put their hand up in terms of being leaders.

“That’s what we’re hoping to find over the next two months, those guys who really want to be a part of it and who want to be leaders of the team.’’

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne is still in the mix for State of Origin, says NSW coach Laurie Daley