What I’d do if I was Hayne: Matty Johns’ advice to Jarryd

MATTY Johns says Jarryd Hayne’s time in the NFL was “fantastic” but it’s time for him to get back to business.

MATTY Johns has some advice for code-hopping NRL star Jarryd Hayne: Go back to Parramatta.

The Fox Sports commentator and former rugby league player says Hayne’s time in the NFL was something ‘fantastic’, but now it’s time to get back to rugby league — before his time as an elite sportsman is up.

“The clock’s ticking on Jarryd. Righto you did that (played in the NFL), and it’s unbelievable and fantastic and people will never forget that you did that, but come on mate, let’s get back to business and play rugby league,” said Johns.

“The thing with Jarryd is, as a sportsperson you are not like a rock star where you keep going and you’re 40 and you’re 50 and then you’re the Rolling Stones and you can keep going. The clock’s ticking on all sporting careers.

“If I was Jarryd Hayne right now I’d go to Parramatta. Back to the old club. I think there is so much goodwill for him there.”

Johns predicted a return to the Eels from Hayne in 2016 could be reminiscent of Parramatta’s charge to NRL grand final in 2009, when they won 10 from 11 matches to make the top eight, then ploughed on to take on Melbourne Storm in the grand final, going down 23-16.

Along the way, Hayne won seven straight man of the match awards and picked up the Dally M.

“One of the things that has really been overlooked this season is that if you have a look at this whole Parramatta sh**fight, what the coach has done with the team, the season they’ve had if you don’t remove the 12 points (for the salary cup breach) has been absolutely sensational,” Johns said.

“The improvement has been out of sight. You put Jarryd into that team next year and to me they are a top-four side.

“I think it would be a great story — for him and the club.”

Hayne in action for the San Francisco 49ers. Picture: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

John’s comments came as the NSW Waratahs declared they wouldn’t pursue Hayne for a career in Super Rugby.

He also had some words of advice for struggling Tigers hooker Robbie Farah, echoing NSW coach Laurie Daley’s comments to fight for his spot in first grade as his feud continues with Tigers coach Jason Taylor.

“I’ve had my run-ins occasionally with Robbie in the past, and I think he's shown a lot of class in this,” Johns said.

“I know people came out the other day when Robbie spoke out and said a few things, but you know what? You’re not emotionally barren.

“The coach has got a right to pick his team, and that is the thing about it.

“If I’m Robbie, I’m just going head down arse up and performing and just showing Jason ‘you’ve gotta pick me. You want to make the finals you’ve got to pick me’.

“It’s hard to do. That’s the thing about it. But is the environment so toxic now? It’s a mess.”

Johns’ comments came at a Fox Sports function ahead of this week’s Retro Round of the NRL.

Johns is sporting a decidedly dodgy-looking retro-style moustache for the round and the Fox coverage, which celebrates Rugby League from the late 70s to the early 90s.

“I was shaving yesterday and thought I’ll just leave it on. I’m getting some strange looks,” he said, admitting it may need the assistance of some show polish to achieve the full retro effect.

Rough and retro: Johns, complete with retro moustache, and Steve Blocker Roach. Picture supplied by Fox Sports