Hayne to Fb

PARRAMATTA appears set to abandon their dual-fullback experiment and permanently move Jarryd Hayne to fullback for Saturday’s NRL clash against Cronulla. Rising star Bevan French has worn the No.1 jumper but switched with Hayne on good-ball sets during the opening two games of the competition. But after back-to-back defeats - including last week’s 54-0 humiliation at the hands of Manly - Eels coach Brad Arthur looks set to respond by shifting Hayne to his favoured spot.

“He’s moved back there at training. We had our big session yesterday and he moved back there,” five-eighth Corey Norman said on Sky Sports Radio on Thursday.

French was monstered numerous times against the Sea Eagles last weekend, and Norman believes Hayne’s bigger frame will be better suited to when rivals have momentum.

Hayne is nearly 10 centimetres taller and 20 kilograms heavier than French.

“I think just a bigger body coming out of the backfield there with Haynesy, and getting him a bit more involved and his experience there ... so we’ll see how he goes,” Norman said.

“If they get a good set and put it in the corners then you need them bigger bodies to start your sets off well, or you’re kicking from inside your 40 (metre-line) there every time.

“With Haynesey back there hopefully he can get a good carry and hopefully we get a good start to our set.” The match also marks the first time Hayne will play in front of the Eels’ home fans since his dramatic defection to the NFL in 2014.

Despite returning to the NRL on the Gold Coast two years ago, the 30-year-old missed both the Titans’ clashes against the Eels last year due to injury. And while there has been plenty of scrutiny on Hayne’s fitness during his comeback, Norman said he is confident Hayne could handle the rigours of the fullback role.

“Haynesy has had a couple of games now so I’d expect him to play the full 80 minutes there and do a job for us,” Norman said.

“He knows what he’s got to do so hopefully that comes to the game on Saturday.”

"I more so meant in the future. This year yeah it makes sense as he is 21, he is older than those three mentioned so therefore he would be pushing FG more than the three mentioned. But long term they would jump Visconti i guess."

"Not sure what they are waiting for. Coinakis is a big body and strong defender. Luke and Smitz are RM players. Coinkis and Hudson don't deserve to be sharing minutes in JF either. They are better than that. They compliment each other well to.…"

"Definitely. As it currently stands, Visconti deserves to be in front of those 3 in the pecking order in NSW Cup. Popo has only played rd 1 this year. No idea what injury he has and when he is returning. The other 3 probably have more upside than…"

Replies

Magpie March 22, 2018 at 3:42pm

PARRAMATTA appears set to abandon their dual-fullback experiment and permanently move Jarryd Hayne to fullback for Saturday’s NRL clash against Cronulla. Rising star Bevan French has worn the No.1 jumper but switched with Hayne on good-ball sets during the opening two games of the competition. But after back-to-back defeats - including last week’s 54-0 humiliation at the hands of Manly - Eels coach Brad Arthur looks set to respond by shifting Hayne to his favoured spot.

“He’s moved back there at training. We had our big session yesterday and he moved back there,” five-eighth Corey Norman said on Sky Sports Radio on Thursday.

French was monstered numerous times against the Sea Eagles last weekend, and Norman believes Hayne’s bigger frame will be better suited to when rivals have momentum.

Hayne is nearly 10 centimetres taller and 20 kilograms heavier than French.

“I think just a bigger body coming out of the backfield there with Haynesy, and getting him a bit more involved and his experience there ... so we’ll see how he goes,” Norman said.

“If they get a good set and put it in the corners then you need them bigger bodies to start your sets off well, or you’re kicking from inside your 40 (metre-line) there every time.

“With Haynesey back there hopefully he can get a good carry and hopefully we get a good start to our set.” The match also marks the first time Hayne will play in front of the Eels’ home fans since his dramatic defection to the NFL in 2014.

Despite returning to the NRL on the Gold Coast two years ago, the 30-year-old missed both the Titans’ clashes against the Eels last year due to injury. And while there has been plenty of scrutiny on Hayne’s fitness during his comeback, Norman said he is confident Hayne could handle the rigours of the fullback role.

“Haynesy has had a couple of games now so I’d expect him to play the full 80 minutes there and do a job for us,” Norman said.

“He knows what he’s got to do so hopefully that comes to the game on Saturday.”
Longfin Eel March 22, 2018 at 3:48pm

I wonder why they have announced this? Did Norman let it slip during an interview? Or is it to quieten the savage social media brigade?
- 1kfnyruzinzo3 > Longfin Eel March 22, 2018 at 4:17pm
  
  Sshhhhh it a tactical move and secret ffs.
Khagan March 22, 2018 at 3:48pm

Can't go any worse lol.
Gray Fox March 22, 2018 at 3:55pm

And there goes BA's surprise tactical switch he was going to save until game time. Thanks for giving the Sharks a heads up, Corey.
- Da Rock > Gray Fox March 22, 2018 at 4:10pm
  
  you really think he would have been allowed to release that info without BA giving the ok?
  
  We all know Normz is not the sharpest tool in the shed, but even he couldn't be that dumb? or could he ?
- eels47 > Gray Fox March 22, 2018 at 4:11pm
  
  I don't think it has surprised anyone, including the Sharks.
Nitram March 22, 2018 at 4:08pm

Makes sense

- Hayne fullback
- Jennings moved to right to partner french on that side.
- Auva'a move to left centre where he played for Souths in their gf (from memory).
- Hoffman left wing.

Kinda leaves us a short a large winger, which is required in the modern game. Not sure we can overcome this issue though.
Longfin Eel March 22, 2018 at 4:12pm

Maybe it's a double bluff!
nudger March 22, 2018 at 4:15pm

need to find a dealer /get some speed