Jarryd Hayne has made himself unavailable for the upcoming representative round as he buckles down on preparing for a fairytale State of Origin return for NSW.
The Gold Coast star showed flashes of his best in Saturday’s upset of defending premiers Cronulla after missing the past five weeks with an ankle injury.
But more importantly for the Titans, as well as Blues coach Laurie Daley, the code-hopper came through unscathed in a flawless 80-minute effort.
“Pretty sore, pretty banged up, but it’s always good to get the win. A lot of pain definitely was expected. Just happy to make 80 minutes, that was the biggest thing,” Hayne said after the match.
The 29-year-old now aims to lift another notch in next week’s match against Newcastle before putting himself at the mercy of the Titans’ trainers during the representative weekend.
Hayne had previously considered putting his hand up to play for Fiji against Samoa, however informed Bati coach Rick Stone that he is focusing on regaining full health.
“That’s the week where I won’t have it off, we’ll get that extra conditioning in and try and catch up with the rest of the guys because I need it,” he said.
“We’ve got 2-3 games after that and then it’s into Origin season. Just getting the body right.”
Hayne conceded that while his ankle is back to full health, the rest of his body needs time to catch up ahead of what looms to be a gruelling Origin campaign.
The former Blues fullback, who updated Daley on his health a fortnight ago, hasn’t played in the interstate series since NSW broke Queensland’s eight-year streak in 2014.
“(Daley) just said he wants me to get back out there, get healthy. Every year I played Origin, I just worry about my form and the rest will worry about itself,” he said.
“Obviously you want to give it your best and be in good form. Nights like tonight are definitely stepping stones for that.
“It’s not my ankle itself, it’s the muscles around it and getting used to running again. I started running seven days ago – I’ve done three sessions and two skills sessions.
“Running forwards is one thing but when you start to run sideways and play a bit of football, hammies, groins, hips, they all come into account and that’s something that I struggle with.”
Hayne also addressed the looming deadline to take up the second-year and remain at the Titans next season, saying he would begin considering his options after the Knights game.
The former Parramatta star has until May to activate the option.
“I’m not thinking about that at the moment. I’ve got other things on my plate. Tonight was about getting our season back on track, we did that,” he said.
Stu
Guest
I couldn't pick Hayne - I don't think he has done enough since his return to justify selection and can't agree with basing a selection on what he did 3 years ago.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Won the last series for NSW and brought the 8peat to an end for the Maroons. Surely he will be picked no doubt.
Riggs
Guest
If picked right it could be dangerous. I'd go 1. Teddy 2. B Moz/Wighton 3. Croker 4. Hayne 5. Trbojevic
Old School
Roar Rookie
This is the first time Sterlo is involved with selections, hopefully he has some influence and calls time on Farah's origin career.
theHunter
Guest
It would be better to have young players play around Hayne than Pearce or Farah, don't you think? If Maroons can keep their dominant players for more than a decade, I don't see why Blues supporters do not want to have a consistent and dominant player like Hayne in their ranks. Hayne has shown time and again that he steps up in rep duties. Not only in the Blues jumper but he was also outstanding when he represented the Batis before being selected by the OZs. I'd rather have him in the Team anyways. Which is a far better risk than selecting Pearce, Farah, Gallen and/or Bird.
Big Daddy
Guest
Daley has said publicly in the past he is loyal to players. That's why he probably pick guys like Farah,Pierce ,Jennings. Patchman is right - time for new blood. I think the forwards are pretty good bar frontrowers. It is the backs that create the biggest head ache selection.
PatchMan
Guest
I know he's done well as it is' since late last season, coming back from multiple sporting codes' & playing like he hasn't missed a game'..But' i don't feel he's ready'..For 1'..Other Player's(Younger) have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time'..2'..Titans Need Him For Every Game'..& 3'..He's 29-30yrs of age'.. Love the way Hayne plays' but it's time for the younger generation'..The one's who Daley can build on' for the Future!
Mike L
Guest
Whilst I agree with you Rick about the fact that Hayne only plays for himself etc., you cannot deny that some of his best performance's have come in a Sky Blue Jumper. I am a QLD fan and I think the NSW team looks a lot more dangerous when Hayne is in it. I may not particularly like the guy as a player, but he has definitely got talent and Laurie Daley is lying if he says Hayne is not under consideration, despite only playing a handful of games in the leadup.
Simon
Guest
How explosive could our back 5 look; 1. Tedesco 2. Hayne 3. Jennings/Morris/Croker/BJ/Wighton/Dugan 4. Roberts 5. Trbojevic
James
Guest
Jarryd Hayne has put in some of the best performances in a Blues jumper in Origin history. He's an Origin X factor and in that period around 2010-14 he was by far the most damaging player on the field in quite a few games. Unbelievable that you could write him off
Rick
Guest
Hayne plays for himself and only when he wants to. Nobody in their right mind would want him. Particularly not for Origin.
Old School
Roar Rookie
Please god, NO! As someone who walked away from the game he does not deserve to walk straight back into the Origin team. There are plenty of great players who have been playing well all year to choose from. If I was a Titans fan I'd be very annoyed that he's missed 5 games already this year due to injury and then if picked he'd be missing another load of games due to origin.
That's my team
Guest
You get the feeling a few solid efforts and he'll be in the blues side, likely on the centres. 1. Tedesco 2. Trbojevic 3. Croker 4. Hayne 5. B Morris/Wighton 6. Austin 7. Maloney 8. Woods 9. Peats 10. Vaughn 11. Cordner 12. Jackson 13. Frizell 14. Fafita 15. Graham 16. Merrin 17. Bird