Releasing Jarryd Hayne might be a blessing in disguise for NRL club Gold Coast, former Titans football manager Scott Sattler says.
Sattler believes Hayne has lost his appeal on the tourist strip and says the Titans should cut the ex-NFL player loose.
Hayne has been linked to a Parramatta return in 2018. A report had claimed his manager was seeking a release so his charge could be closer to his daughter in Sydney.
On Thursday, Hayne and Titans CEO Graham Annesley both denied the News Corp Australia report.
However, speculation won’t go away that Hayne will return to the Eels three years after leaving Parramatta to pursue his NFL dream with the San Francisco 49ers.
Just months ago, Hayne had triggered a $1.2 million option for 2018 to play with the Titans.
Sattler said the Titans should grant Hayne a release.
“Nothing personal against him but Jarryd has moved past being a marketable item on the Gold Coast,” he told AAP.
“His form in 2017 wasn’t what we are used to seeing from Jarryd.
“He hasn’t become a priority for fans to put their hand in their pocket and go and watch the Titans play.
“If you were the Titans football manager or CEO, you would look at it seriously – if he did ask for an early release, you would probably grant him one.”
Hayne will take a hefty pay cut at Parramatta if granted a release.
Sattler believed Hayne might be tempted by another code switch if he moved to Sydney and wanted a marquee player salary.
“Unless he is willing to be prepared to play for a lot less, if he is expecting seven figures, he is not going to get that at any NRL club – he has to look at rugby union,” Sattler said.
“The NSW Waratahs possess marquee money and rugby always want to fire a shot over the bow any chance they can get, to get another convert ace up their sleeve.”
Waratahs chief executive Andrew Hore has all but ruled out trying to lure Hayne back to rugby after the code-hopper’s cameo with the Fiji sevens team.
“We are committed to growing our own talent through supporting our community game,” Hore told AAP.
BleakCity
Roar Rookie
He's certainly backed himself into corner. I don't think his manager has helped his cause from a brand point of view but he's old enough to own the consequences of ongoing risky decisions.
Chook
Guest
If Jarryd has any brains and that is yet to be determined he will stay with the Titans and take the dough. If he walks it will be with a huge pay cut. If he cross codes then he is done. He may get a start with Super League. He may...... He is a big girl who most are sick and tired of hearing about. 2014 was a long time ago.
AR
Guest
No way Rick. If there's one thing rugby league players know for sure, it's that you can rip up your contract, walk out on your teammates, have a big public dummy spit, change sports...and then be welcomed back like a returning hero with a big pay rise. Just ask Sonny, Jarryd etc.
Rick
Guest
Just drop him from the NRL altogether.
Christov
Guest
Mike is onto something there
Mike from tari
Guest
Keep Hayne, if he doesn't play well drop him to Tweed Heads, players in the other Intrustsuper Cup would love to play against him.