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Jarryd Hayne is the enigma that has stumped many coaches and the theory goes that he is only just starting to realise how talented and damaging he can be.
One common complaint from former team-mates was about his level of involvement while Ricky Stuart, his current club coach at Parramatta, was once openly advocating a move to five-eighth for the 25-year-old.
For most of his representative career Hayne has played on the wing and until an injury to Brett Stewart that was where he was destined to start State of Origin Game 1.
What a shame it would’ve been to miss out on Wednesday night’s display.
It was a performance that said he was ready to assume the mantle as one of the leaders of the NSW side and the number one jersey should be his for as long as he desires.
He clocked up 188 metres, scored a try that was straight out of the Maroons’ playbook and importantly gives the side a fourth kick-in-play option.
Brett Stewart at his best is one of the most damaging ball runners in the NRL with a particular emphasis on one of the most, but Hayne has now jumped him in the pecking order.
NSW coach Laurie Daley said after the match the he hopes to pick the same 17 for Game 2 of the series in Brisbane, as long as all of his troops are fit and well and that means we’ll get to see more of Hayne at the back.
He has always been a diligent servant without the ball.
Recently highlighting his ability to save tries as much as his penchant for scoring them isn’t a slight on his previous work, but instead, a compliment to his maturity as a player.
Fellow number one Ben Barba was always a devastating ball runner, but he too now has another string to his bow.
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler told Barba that scoring tries was just as important as saving them and the Queensland hopeful has doubled his efforts in that department.
Hayne is the same.
His ability to stop on-coming attacks this season has been almost as pleasing as his work with the ball in hand.
On Wednesday night, it was Hayne who stopped Maroons skipper Cameron Smith charging to the line.
The sight of the try line, tantalisingly close after being out of reach for most of the night, was too much to ignore and Smith was penalised for a double movement.
That moment was at the start of the second half with the Blues still leading 14-nil.
Had Smith scored the match might’ve taken on a different complexion.
The Maroons couldn’t cross again until the hour mark.
Daley will be pleased that he has depth in the fullback ranks, but Hayne should now be first choice regardless of who is fit.
Josh Dugan will no doubt continue his push for a re-call, but he must first find consistency with St George Illawarra and Stewart, if his body is wiling, will also be in the mix again.
Competition creates a healthy environment, but Hayne has shown when put under pressure he hits top gear.
He is now too important, too senior and too good to be left to linger on the touchline.
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