SUPERSTAR Jarryd Hayne says his embattled Eels, who were flogged 50-0 by the Roosters on Monday, don't need to work harder, just smarter.
Speaking exclusively to News Limited last night, Hayne said Parramatta had been guilty this season of "dropping their bundle" and "making rookie mistakes".
That was never more evident than in Monday evening's capitulation. It was among the darkest nights in Parramatta's proud 66-year history. Hayne's comments come as Parramatta:DRIFTED from $51 to $67 to win the NRL title, according to the TAB;
WERE forced to apologise after six players failed to attend a planned press conference at Parramatta Pool; and
CALLED on fans to attend Saturday night's vital match against Cronulla at Parramatta Stadium, where the two sides play for the Johnny Mannah Cup.
Asked if his side had to work harder, Hayne said: "We have to work smarter. We did the hard work during pre-season.
"We have to be smarter in different scenarios and different positions ... when to do something, when not to.
"It's about chemistry and working as a unit.
"It's about refining little areas of our games that cost us. We need to fix up the tiny errors, they aren't necessarily big. In patches we go well then lose our bundle and make rookie mistakes."
Ken Sio, Ryan Morgan, Joseph Paulo, Jacob Loko, Ben Roberts and Mitchell Allgood were to be interviewed yesterday by the Sydney media after a pool recovery session.
But fans seeking an explanation for the heavy loss on Monday were left frustrated when the players didn't show up. The club claimed it was a breakdown in communication.
"We apologise deeply for the confusion," a club spokesperson said.
Head coach Ricky Stuart and his assistants Matt Parish and Dean Pay now have the task of somehow lifting their squad for the Sharks game.
The Eels - still searching for a major sponsor beyond this season - cannot afford a heavy home loss.
Parramatta start the game as $2.60 outsiders to Cronulla's $1.50.
"Ricky is working as smart as he can," Eels CEO Ken Edwards said.
"We have to keep working hard."
Stuart yesterday named an unchanged side.
Replies
Already been blogged super, just under a diff name i think.
I can't find a Hayne blog about this. However if you do I'd be happy to close this blog.