PARRAMATTA legend Peter Sterling has questioned whether Gold Coast star Jarryd Hayne is the player he once was after a disappointing NRL season.
Hayne’s strained relationship with Neil Henry could cost the Titans coach his job, with the club set to announce a decision on the pair’s future next week.
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Nobody doubts Jarryd Hayne’s ability, but where is the effort?Source:AAP
Sterling said Hayne, whose salary is estimated to be around $ 1.2 million a year, had been particularly disappointing this season.
“If I’m paying a player that much money, that comes with certain expectations,” Sterling told Triple M’s Dead Set Legends. “When you look at Jarryd and with that wage in mind, I need him to be in the game.”
Sterling said the 29-year-old former Eel was failing to have an influence on the game like the competition’s best fullbacks. “I’m talking Billy Slater, I’m talking James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Darius Boyd. They are trying to get in there and win the game for their team as much as possible,” he said.
LISTEN! The Monday Bunker panel debate the Jarryd Hayne saga, the Bulldogs’ salary cap drama and the intrigue surrounding the top eight.
“There’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.”
Sterling said if he was in Henry’s position he would have needed to see a lot more from Hayne given his marquee deal.
“I don’t know if Jarryd is the player 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.”
HINDMARSH: A FRUSTRATING BRILLIANT BEAST
Hindy: Hayne hard to harness4:03
NRL Tonight: Nathan Hindmarsh talks to Megan Barnard following the breaking news the Titans board are discussing the future of Jarryd Hayne and coach Neil Henry
Hayne’s former teammate Nathan Hindmarsh says he isn’t surprised by the enigmatic star’s rift with Neil Henry which may cost the Gold Coast coach his job.
Hindmarsh played with Hayne for nine NRL seasons at Parramatta, as well as at Test and State of Origin level.
Asked if Hayne and Henry’s soured relationship was a surprise, Hindmarsh said: “No, not really”.
“He’s a different beast,” Hindmarsh told Fox Sports.
“Sometimes he can have the worst week at training and come out and have a blinder.
“Other weeks he can be on top of the world, chirpy, buzzy, jumping out of his skin, really good at training and then not have a really good game at all.
“The key for any coach with Haynsey is getting the best out of him week-in week- out, season after season.” Hindmarsh is hopeful the situation won’t lead the one-time NFL player to depart the NRL for another code.
“He’s a special player, he’s a talent and we’ve all seen what he can do on the field,” Hindmarsh said.
“He took the Eels to a grand final in 2009 off the back of his brilliance. “I’ve played with Haynsey and it can be frustrating at times.
“But at the end of the day he’s a gifted, talented player and I hope that if things don’t work out there at the Titans that we do see him playing in the NRL somewhere down the line.”
The Titans meet the Eels on Thursday night, but Hayne is in doubt with a hamstring injury.
“I hope Haynsey does turn out against the Eels,” Hindmarsh said. “If he does, he’ll have a blinder.”
Originally published as Sterlo and Hindy deliver Hayne verdict
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