Legend lashes Jarryd Hayne for Gold Coast form

A RUGBY league legend has fired some stinging criticism at Australian code-hopper Jarryd Hayne, as the Gold Coast Titans’ divided saga takes another twist.

Titans player Jarryd Hayne reacts during the Round 17 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the St George Dragons.

NRL legend Peter Sterling has lashed out at Gold Coast Titans’ marquee Jarryd Hayne, saying he has failed to live up to expectations at the South East Queensland club.

Hayne is currently on a $1.2 million deal with the Titans’, and Sterling says he has not been playing anywhere near that value.

The former Parramatta Eels premiership winner says when compared to other fullbacks in the NRL competition, Hayne has come up short in his time with the Gold Coast.

“Firstly, Jarryd Hayne has been particularly disappointing this season,” Sterling told Triple M’s Deadset Legends.

Peter Sterling during NSW State of Origin training at Cudgen Leagues Club.

“If I’m paying a player that money, that comes with certain expectations. When you look at Jarryd and that wage, I need him to be in the game.

“I need him to be involved as much as possible and to have a big influence in the game. Because the top number ones in the competition, I’m talking Billy Slater, James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Darius Boyd — they are trying to get in there and win the game for their team.

“It’s effort on effort, their body language is always really positive and that’s infectious among the team — I haven’t seen that from Jarryd this year.”

Ironically it was Sterling who selected Hayne for New South Wales this season, in his role as adviser to Blues’ coach Laurie Daley.

But, Sterling admitted he is unsure whether Hayne is physically able to deliver on the high expectations placed on a player of his calibre.

Jarryd Hayne of the Titans shows his frustration.

A representative star and a two-time Dally M winner, Hayne is often criticised for his inconsistency. But Sterling says it may be time to consider the fact Hayne will never return to his game breaking standard.

“I don’t know whether Jarryd is the player that he once was,” Sterling said.

“It’s been a long time since he’s strung together any decent games in a row in the National Rugby League. So maybe our expectation is not going to be met.

“But on that wage I really need to have seen a whole lot more. So if I’m the coach, I’m put out by that type of player.”

Gold Coast Titans chair Rebecca Frizelle (left) and CEO Graham Annersley.

The Titans announced on Monday evening that both Jarryd Hayne and Neil Henry are safe, for now, delaying a decision on their future until next week.

But Sterling says the only reason Hayne will not be cut loose is his high priced salary.

“Why would you keep him on?,” Sterling said. “That will be the big stumbling block if it was to be that Jarryd Hayne wasn’t with the Gold Coast Titans next year.

“Firstly there aren’t many clubs I think in a position to take him and at this late stage, it would be very difficult for him to find a club.”

Gold Coast Titans players react after conceding a try.

The former Parramatta Eels captain said he had hoped the Titans would make a speedy decision on the Hayne-Henry dispute, but implored them to take the time needed to make the correct move, given the tumultuous time the club has already faced in recent years.

“I think we all applauded the fact that it would be dealt with immediately,” Sterling said.

“And now after four hours to come out and say there’s no resolution for at least another week.

“It’s important that they come up with the right decision for the Gold Coast Titans. If it take a week then so be it.”

Originally published as Legend lashes Jarryd Hayne for Gold Coast form