Reigning Dally M medal winner Jarryd Hayne admits the pressure is building out Parramatta way as he and the Eels seek to build on their 2009 heroics.
Hayne's stunning finish to last year's NRL season propelled the Eels to an unlikely grand final berth, Parramatta's surge coming after it was at one stage quoted as a 150-1 longshot to win the premiership after a dismal opening to the season.
But with the momentum of that dream run to the decider wiped out by an off-season of inactivity, NRL All Stars representative Hayne admits the Eels will be under pressure to pick up where they left off.
"I'm just trying to get back to [the level where I can] maintain my form - obviously it's going to be a tough task because we set the bar so high," Hayne said during a coaching clinic with NRL All Stars side in Sydney's west on Monday.
"We're just really worried about our start and getting off on the right foot in 2010.
"When you start winning games you find ways to win - we haven't played in a while so we'll have to wait and see.
"I think everyone realises how much pressure's going to be on us at the start of the season."
With prodigal son Timana Tahu on board, the fight is on for berths in the Eels backline in 2010.
While Hayne is in no danger of losing his number one jumper, the likes of Krisnan Inu, Eric Grothe and Luke Burt could be battling for two wing spots over the upcoming trials.
But Hayne said the pressure wasn't confined to the star-studded backline.
"I think there's just pressure in general because we went so well last year.
"There's a lot of expectation on us - it's something we didn't have last year."
I'm not sure what to make of this. Obviously I hope that the weight of expectation doesn't get to them, but I think it's a good thing that they realise they must start well.
It is interesting to note though that this team has proved itself under pressure. How much were they under at the end of last season?
However, it is a whole new ballgame now... anything can happen and I'm sure it will.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/08/2813664.htm?site=news
Replies
Sport and Nothing And i watched all the other footate of Jarryd on
Channel 9 News and Fox Sports News and Sports Tonight
I hope Jarryd and the Parra Eels ain't feeling to much Pressure
It must be really stressfull for them hoping they will do well