Why Jarryd Hayne missed Gold Coast Titans extra training session

JARRYD Hayne never told Titans coach Neil Henry about missing an early morning “extras” session for one simple reason — it was the players who called it.

JARRYD Hayne never told Gold Coast coach Neil Henry about missing an early morning “extras” session for one simple reason — it was the players who called it.

Signed to the Titans for $2.4 million, Hayne was fined by Henry recently after missing a training session, without telling the coach, to attend a medical appointment in Sydney the same day.

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The incident has been latched on by critics of the two-time Dally M Medallist, who has also stood accused this week of being overweight, lazy and turning up for training either late or in the wrong gear.

Jarryd Hayne on his way to Gold Coast training. Picture: David Clark

However, The Daily Telegraph understands that, when it comes to the missed training session, Hayne felt he had done everything required after members of the leadership group — not Henry — called a snap “extras” session.

It is understood the session was called after a younger player, not Hayne, had fallen short of expectations that week.

Regardless, once announced Hayne explained to one of the co-captains — Ryan James or Kevin Proctor — he had an appointment in Sydney and asked to be excused..

Titans star Jarryd Hayne looks bemused during the loss to the Sydney Roosters at Cbus Super Stadium. Picture: AAP

While the session was scheduled for early in the morning, the Titans marquee man said he already had a flight booked. His request to miss the session was granted.

However, Henry then turned up the next morning to discover Hayne missing in action.

Hayne went some way to explaining as much on Twitter on the weekend, responding to claims of his missed session with: Was meant to be cap session. Captain said was ok 4me 2get treatment in Syd. Coach found out and fined me. Media will milk it!!!!

Those close to Hayne have also backed the enigmatic No. 1’s decision to seek outside specialists for certain issues.

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The 29-year-old has long sourced, from his own pocket, experts in strength, speed and physiotherapy to ensure his body is properly maintained.

Indeed, only last weekend the South Sydney Rabbitohs allowed marquee player Greg Inglis to hobble about for roughly 50 minutes after misdiagnosing an ACL injury that will likely sideline him for the entire 2017 season.

Titans fullback Jarryd Hayne fronts up to Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce. Picture: AAP

Elsewhere, Hayne has told friends his relationship with the Titans squad, particularly senior players, has been strengthened by this week’s raft of headlines.

The NSW Origin star also has no concerns about his weight or a niggling knee problem which, injured during the Auckland Nines, is not expected to stop him playing against Newcastle this weekend.

Originally published as Why Jarryd Hayne missed Gold Coast Titans extra training session