JARRYD Hayne has spoken of the excruciating pressure he confronts each week as Parramatta's star player.
He talks of his "sadness" at the ructions that have gripped Parramatta on and off the field over the past five years.
"It's definitely been sad the way people have been treated," Hayne said.
He also discusses Ricky Stuart, the club's grand plan and his faith.
Asked did he want to leave Parramatta, Hayne said: "Whenever you are in a dark place you want to go to a happy place. That is what life's about: being loyal, having fun and finding ways to win."
Bulldog: Let's not sugar-coat this. Parramatta has been a mess at times in recent years, on and off the field. Poor recruitment, sacked CEOs, dumped coaches. It must have been unsettling?
Hayne: Definitely. There has definitely been times when you think, "Far out, I just want to play football and not be worrying about coaching or the internal stuff". A lot of people don't see what happens behind closed doors as well. It's definitely been sad the way people have been treated and the way things have panned out. But at the core of it, Parramatta is a club I started with when I was young and I love the club. That is why I am there, not because of other people.
Bulldog: On-field has been a monumental struggle, too.
Hayne: We've been down where we don't want to be. We play good football when we start to take accountability for our own actions and step up as a team. Every player's role in the team is as important as everyone else's role. I have always seen the potential and that is why I re-signed with the club. The last two weeks have shown that.
Bulldog: Which individuals are you referring to when you say people have been treated poorly?
Hayne: There are people I still wish were next to me playing football but they're not. That's life and we move on. I just want to stay who I am. I think we are heading in the right direction now. I think I can safely say that. Ricky Stuart and Ken Edwards have in-built a lot of things they want to achieve.
Bulldog: Are they saying things you have heard from previous coaches and CEOs?
Hayne: When they say things you do look at them and think that is what the last two or three people have said and we want to see it before we believe it. But they are positive and the club is heading in the right direction.
Bulldog: Are you tired of hearing the promises from previous coaches and administrators? It's time for action.
Hayne: Exactly. We have heard it before. The grand plan has always been there but it's never eventuated. Now it's time for, "Cool man, if that's what it is, we will back you up." We just want to see it happen.
Bulldog: Is Stuart the coach to finally implement the long-awaited grand plan?
Hayne: Yes. Ricky is a different coach now to what I have experienced in the past. He is a really good listener, that is the one thing I have noticed. Don't get me wrong. There have been times when he hasn't listened to anyone.
Bulldog: That is Ricky's passion.
Hayne: Don't get me wrong, he still has the small man's syndrome (laughing). I'm not shying away from that. But he has definitely grown as a coach. After some of the losses he comes in and just wants to "lose it" but he hasn't. The old me would probably have been kicking something by now and swearing at someone. But he is really positive. He doesn't put up with a lot of crap. He is very passionate. He loves the fans, he is always talking about the fans. (Parramatta Stadium) is our ground at the moment - I have never had that feeling before. He gives off that energy and emotion and that is what you thrive on. That is what you want from a leader. Sometimes before a game he gets caught up. It's like, "Stick, we're the ones playing the game."
Bulldog: Do the ghosts of the 1980s haunt you?
Hayne: No, not really. I think it's awesome people still remember that time and the players come around. Pricey (Ray Price) was there last week. He is always colourful when he comes in.
Bulldog: ASADA. Your thoughts Jarryd?
Hayne: They came out with a big splash and a big bang and fireworks were going off. Everyone was running for cover and waiting for something to go down and nothing has happened. As a footy player, you are always hearing rumours but if they had something, wouldn't you have thought it might have gone down by now? For me, if you know you're clean, you know you're clean.
EACH and every week Jarryd Hayne is expected to be Parramatta's saviour.
Bulldog: You must feel the pressure?
Hayne: It comes with the territory. That is why I am who I am. I enjoy that sort of stuff. There's nothing more rewarding than to achieve a goal when you are under pressure.
Bulldog: Has there been a time, Jarryd, when you just wanted to run away from all the pressures?
Hayne: Whenever you are in a dark place you want to go to a happy place. There's been some crazy tough times. My biggest thing has been my faith (with Hillsong Church). I will always say that. In church we learn about how tough times make tough people.
Tim Mannah is always upbeat, too. He is always seeing the bright side of things. The last five years have been the hardest. But if we are setting up for the next five years, I would go through it all again. Nathan Hindmarsh and Nathan Caylesss speak about similar tough times but they stayed as well. That is what life's about, being loyal, having fun and finding ways to win.
Bulldog: Are you a good captain at the moment?
Hayne: I will be learning about it for a while yet. I had a joke with Sam Thaiday before the Broncos game. I asked him for some tips. I never expected to come into the role and be a great leader straight away.
It was always going to take time. I am realistic about a lot of things I do. It could take me two to three years to really take the role on and know what I am doing. At the moment I am doing it off the top of my head. In two to three years it will come natural and I will be able to lead from experience.
Bulldog: You are certain to be named NSW fullback. You comfortable in that position, given you have played wing for NSW?
Hayne: I am comfortable anywhere. I just have to worry about playing good footy and the rest will look after itself. I know where I want to play and "Loz" (Laurie Daley) does as well.
Daily Telegraph, May 21st, 2013
Replies
LOL, Great player and has been going great this year, but theres not a lot up top with Jarryd, reading this makes me even more concerned about our lack of leaders.
Just remember Snake, Its not Jarryd ringing up journo's begging for interviews.
I don't think Leadership on the footy field is so much about intelligence, as it is about passion and leading by example. Arguments could be made both ways, but having both would be sweet...
He's also brave enough to acknowledge how the off field situation has been poor as well.
Hopefully now we can see improvement there for you also Jarryd. You certainly deserve it.
I think the coin has finally dropped with our boy. He is certainly not the sharpest tool and says things off the cuff but as our only superstar and captain I applaud him. He is growing in statue week by week and I think that he now knows what is required from a superstar.
Yes we are a revolving door of rabble but we are slowly moving forward.
This heartens me, Jarryd admits his shortcomings as a captain and knows it will take time. I'm glad he isn't following the administration blindly but has considered what they bring and has made the decision to trust them and back them. It also seems that he truly wants to be an Eel for life, particularly when he mentioned Hindy and Cayless staying through the tough times.
If anyone thinks 3P was good for the club they only have to read this and understand what really happened at the club. This should be rolled out in the next elections. I'm sure that people would think twice about supporting 3P after reading this.
That's one thought that was rolling through my head when reading this, you don't want your administration to be constantly bringing sadness and worry to your players.
Great read, i think it shows he is growing up and does love the club. Also shows that Ricky jut might be that man to take him to the next level. hopefully we can finally build him a team to show how good he really is.
Nice read this. For Hayne to have gone through what he has and stay loyal to the eels is a credit to the character of the man. Most others would have packed up and left a long time ago. He was honest and didnt have any personal digs at anyone although he has reason to. Im stoked he's an eel and proud as punch of our captain.
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