Jarryd Hayne hits out at critics and vows to be a matchwinning force for the Gold Coast Titans

A DEFIANT Jarryd Hayne has blasted suggestions he is a toxic influence at the Titans and vowed to prove “idiots” wrong by being a matchwinning force for the Gold Coast.

Jarryd Hayne has hit out at his critics after a matchwinning performance. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

A DEFIANT Jarryd Hayne has blasted suggestions he is a toxic influence at the Titans and vowed to prove “idiots” wrong by being a matchwinning force for the Gold Coast.

In one of the most candid interviews of his career, Hayne pulled no punches, insisting he is a team player and labelling claims he has a bad attitude as “dribble”.

The Dally M superstar is reportedly on the nose with Sydney clubs who are said to have no interest in signing Hayne after his turbulent first eight months at the Titans.

But in his 10th match for the Titans on Saturday night, Hayne produced arguably his best game for the club, scoring two tries to inspire a 38-8 rout of the Knights.

Jarryd Hayne has hit out at his critics after a matchwinning performance. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

A slew of detractors, including former Broncos skipper Justin Hodges, have questioned Hayne’s contribution to the Titans culture, but the NSW Origin hopeful hit back on Sunday.

“When you look at the way we played (on Saturday), it shows you how much bulls**t it is,” Hayne said of claims he doesn’t fit into the team.

“I’m not good for the team ... OK, we won 38-8, tell me what’s up now? “It’s just the dribble that goes on.

“I let my football do the talking and that will speak louder than anyone’s comments, words or articles.

“When you let your football do the talking, they (the critics) will look like idiots. We showed that (against the Knights).”

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Throughout his decorated career, Hayne has often been described as aloof and difficult to coach.

But the former Australian Test star says a footballing portfolio featuring 186 NRL games, 11 Tests and 20 Origin matches is evidence he is not a self-centred renegade.

In pre-season, Hayne was briefly kicked out of the Titans’ leadership group amid concerns from senior players over his dedication to training.

“The criticism is rubbish more than anything,” he said. “Your teammates speak volumes for you and I’ve not heard one thing from them (about not being a team player).

“I’ve heard that from what people (outside the club) perceive or look at. Maybe it’s because I don’t show emotion. It is what it is. But I’ve been in this league for 10 years.

“People need to wake up to themselves. I’m not some second-year kid. I’ve made as many rep teams as I can remember and if don’t have a good attitude, you don’t make those sides.

“I just want to be out there with the guys. We had a long arse pre-season and you want to get out there and play. A win like that makes it worthwhile.”

Hayne’s teammates didn’t seem too upset against the Knights. (Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Gold Coast utility Tyrone Roberts said Hayne had earned the respect of Titans teammates.

“He is fine, he has settled in well,” he said.

“What happened in pre-season has happened but his attitude is 100 per cent and we are behind him.

“It would be good for the club if he stayed, he is a great player. He just sees things two plays ahead and can slow the game down, that’s what makes him so good.”

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne hits out at critics and vows to be a matchwinning force for the Gold Coast Titans