After last night’s man of the match award the question has come up, is Jarryd Hayne the most important player in league?
Not necessarily the best, or most consistent, but on his game, there are very, VERY, few better.
Hayne had an off season last year and the Eels finished with the wooden spoon. This season he has been in great form and suddenly the Eels look like top eight certainties.
Of course other players around him have lifted, but his sweeping runs have made Tonga and Hopoate look like a million dollars, and his attack has taken the pressure off his halves.
I bet if you asked people which player they would sign from another club, it would come down to Jarryd Hayne and Greg Inglis, and on current form, Hayne has it for mine.
All those years the Blues wasted Hayne on the wing, surely there can be no argument that the number one jersey is his whenever he is fit.
If the Blues are to clinch the series in Sydney in three weeks, the Hayne Plane will need to be in full flight yet again. He was the difference last night, and can be the difference again.
If Josh Reynolds is unable to successfully defend his dangerous throw charge tonight, Greg Bird could slot straight into the number six, with Hayne playing five-eighth in attack.
Origin Hangover
Last night proved that Origin is by far and away the toughest game in Rugby League. There is simply nowhere to hide and nowhere to rest.
Cooper Cronk will miss eight weeks with a broken arm, while Billy Slater and Cameron Smith are also in doubt for Origin two after suffering injuries.
Jarryd Hayne is set to be rested after picking up a minor knock, while Watmough, the Morris twins, Gallen and Cherry Evans were all injured and may miss time for their clubs.
It was a ripper of a game, but at what cost to the clubs that pay these players the big bucks. The stand alone week debut rages on.
Response To My Letter
Yesterday I received a call from Sharks CEO Steve Noyce regarding my open letter to the Sharks.
He gave me 27 minutes of his time and was very open in discussing my thoughts and opinions.
He asked not to be quoted, which is a shame as he conveyed some great information, but I was disappointed to hear that my well supported letter ‘bred negativity’.
He refused to my request of an open interview but assured me that there are no problems at the club.
Kevin Bacon wasn’t in footloose.
‘Coward Shot’
Josh Papalii loves to put a hit on NSW captain Paul Gallen … especially when the latter’s back is turned and he has just passed the ball.
How that isn’t a penalty every single day of the week is beyond me. Beau Scott’s hit on Billy Slater in the closing stages, the exact same thing.
Oh and why has NO ONE mentioned the fact Michael Jennings was held back when Hayne made a break in the second half? If Jennings isn’t held back, he’s going in under the posts and it’s game over.
I’m seeing plenty bagging the referee’s this morning. No arguments here. Who do we replace them with though?
