Jarryd Hayne has been rewarded for his solid return to rugby league by being named in the starting line-up for the Gold Coast in their clash with the Wests Tigers.
Hayne will start in the five-eighth position after playing the majority of his 52 minutes in the halves for the Titans in their loss to the Warriors.
The 28-year-old made a number of big plays including a crunching try saving tackle on his first involvement. He also threw an intercept pass that led to a try but Titans coach Neil Henry said the positives far outweighed the negatives.
“He’s (Hayne) certainly showed he’s still got it, hasn’t he?” Henry said.
“He’s a great threat carrying the ball. It does put another question to the defensive line as well.”
By playing in the halves, Hayne will see plenty of the ball as he transitions his way back to fullback once regular five-eighth Tyrone Roberts returns from a knee injury.
“Everyone assumes he’ll be fullback but we see no real reason to throw him back there with Meady doing such a good job,” Henry said.
“Jarryd has played a fair bit of footy in the 6, it’s something that he was quite keen to do as a way of getting into the team anyway because he has to call some plays and get his hands on the ball a but more.”
Hayne was cleared of any wrongdoing wth a referee touch which cleared him to play the important match against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.
His focus today was on watching the action from the Rio Olympics and the inspirational performance of the Australian Women’s sevens team.
In a further boost for the Titans, Club captain Nathan Friend has been named on an extended bench and could make a return from a hamstring injury.
“Friendy is a good chance at being available, he ran the other day and was pain free, we need to give him a contact and ball work session and see how he pulls up. Hopefully he is available for selection and if he is we will have to make another decision,” Henry said.
The Titans are currently in 10th place on the ladder, one point behind the Tigers and Warriors.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Hayne should be the Titans #1 as David Mead didn't do a great job at fullback against the Warriors, he most certainly can't inject the attacking flair that Hayne can from that position, Hayne must be the Titans fullback if they are to beat the Wests/Tigers this week.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Well I guess we'll see this weekend whether Henry is coach of the year material putting Hayne at 6. I though centre would have been his best postion with Hoffman making way. Hoffman is good but defensively especially online defence is terrible. Storm exploited him well in their games against Titans. He wouldn't have made the stop tackle that Hayne made last weekend against the Warriors. Its Henry's call though and he's got it right so far this season. Make or break game for the Titans playing against their competition for the last spot in the 8 so it's all or nothing.
Jimmmy
Guest
Your spot on Don. Have him as a running centre with permission to go to first or second receiver if he sees something on. Hayne is primarily a runner of the ball who has some ball playing skills. He is not a team organiser, Just give him some ball with a bit of space and watch him go.
Don
Roar Rookie
I would have played him at centre this weekend. He can shift in one when he feels like getting the ball early then play wider as required. He'd not have the legs or lungs for fullback yet. Maybe another game.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Agreed - Cullen has done the job for them in the few games he's played this year - I really rate him. Maybe Henry is concerned Hayne doesn't have the miles in his legs to play fullback? There's also the impact Hayne will have on Taylor playing in the front line. Certainly adds yet another dimension to an intriguing month before semis.
The Barry
Roar Guru
From memory he started 2009 at 6 and was poor. Then he moved to fullback and set the game alight. I can't recall another extended run at five eighth. I guess he's more mature and experienced now, maybe that will make the difference.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
All positives here with this decision for the Titans. Current 5/8 is injured, Hayne can do that job for the following reasons; - Possesses the vision and finesse of a ball player. - Has a big boot on him, will add to the kicking metres. - A threat with the ball in hand, attracting multiple defenders for his outside backs to capitalise on. - Big body in defence, no easy holes for opposition to exploit. - A big game player, rally less experienced team mates in crucial stages when game in the balance. - Importantly, Hayne is a competitor and will immensely improve on his average efforts as a youngster at pivot. Simply, he is an elite rugby league player and can play any position. If you have played rugby league close to half your life, a few years off, doesn't not just make you lose that skill and nous for the game. I don't understand all this doubt?!
Spongebob
Guest
Wow this is suicide. In his peak he was a hopeless half, how with a few years out of the game is he going to perform in the position 1 game back? I hope for the Titans sake Henry has seen something at training no-one else has, this seems a surefire disaster.
bjvm
Roar Rookie
I thought Anthony Don would be gone with Mead out on the wing and Hayne at the back. Still think he showed promising signs last week that he can produce something out of 5/8. However, like a night shift, it's the second time round that's the hardest.
Craig
Guest
He has played a reasonable amount in the #6 and he was terrible. That is more concerning than not having played a lot there before.
Jara W
Guest
Thought Henry would keep a cool head amongst the hype. But this has me doubting it. Hayne should have been treated as an addition to the team. Adding some spark and impact. Henry can't be trying to reinvent a form team in the last four rounds surely. Seems self destructive.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
They need to shift Mead to the wing. Or send him to QLD Cup. Hayne has to be fullback with Cullen at 6 until Roberts returns
The Barry
Roar Guru
Massive doubts. He's been abysmal in the 6 before. This is a high risk move for mine. Game 2 in 24 months and they've got him running the team. Oh well, maybe Henry's got a better idea of how to do it than Kearney or Hagan or whoever tried it last. Henry's wrong though...Hayne hasn't played a lot of 6 before. This will make or break the Titans season. I'm all for Hayne's return but can we lay off the 'Hayne Plane' headlines.
Craig
Guest
Hayne is a talent that's no doubt. But he has failed in the #6 before, how or why will it be different now? He could be excellent for a week or two but I have doubts he is a viable consistent performer in the #6.