Titans Just Want Hayne To Get Through A Game

Lowering expectations


Article heading image for Titans Just Want Hayne To Get Through A Game

Solid, not spectacular - that's all Gold Coast Titans coach Neil Henry wants from Jarryd Hayne ahead of the NRL star's much-anticipated return.

Henry does not need to be told that all eyes will be on the code-hopper in his comeback from five weeks sidelined due to an ankle injury against defending champions Cronulla at Southern Cross Group Stadium.

The stage is set for a mouth-watering showdown with Hayne's likely opposite number - Cronulla fullback Valentine Holmes.

Henry knows fans will be demanding "something special" from the ex-NFL star after a long lay-off, but said he wanted Hayne to simply get through the game - not make a highlights reel.

"He's heavily scrutinised every time he's playing a game of footy and he's got high expectations," Henry said.

"He certainly can do something special on the field but if he gets through a game, we have a solid performance and we can get a win down there that'd be great for the club."

Titans fans haven't seen the best of Hayne, who has been limited to just eight games due to injury since returning to the NRL last year.

Henry said Hayne still had all the skills that earned him two Dally M Medals, he just needs more time.

"He had a couple of good games for us last year but he hasn't been able to settle into any rhythm," he said.

"Even his pre-season was interrupted through injury, then he came back and in the second game hurt his ankle.

"He does have the skill set to worry sides with his attack.

"He's got all the tools there. He's just got to get back in and get some continuity in his footy."

Gold Coast are quietly confident Hayne will sign a $1 million contract extension within the two-week deadline.

"We're hopeful that Jarryd stays. It's a crucial spot, fullback, and that contract's sitting there," Henry said.

"If he's playing good footy, they attract people to watch them those sorts of players and that's good for our fans, good for our marketing team and good for our sponsorship.

"It is budgeted for. It's up to him whether he takes it up."

Hayne is expected to replace Tyrone Roberts at fullback against Cronulla but Henry is also toying with using him off the bench or slotting him into the centres.

- AAP

22 April 2017




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