“It’s making me want to get out there! If he was the fullback and I was at half back I’d be thinking how good is this!”
Former Eels playmaker Jarryd Hayne, who left the NRL in 2014 to pursue a dream playing American football, announced he’s signed a two year deal with the Gold Coast Titans. The deal, which was completed late last night in Hayne’s hotel room, could average $1.2 million per season, making his deal the most lucrative in the clubs 10-year history.
“The Titans have been looking for a pin-up boy and this is it. It’s the break they need.”
Prince says the new recruit has come at the right time for his former team who have been “suffering” in the last few years.
“The Titans have been looking for a pin-up boy and this is it. It’s the break they need” he said.
Hayne’s addition that will more than likely see him slip into the number 1 jersey this weekend against the Warriors, leaves David Mead’s position at the club up unclear. Coach Neil Henry is yet to re-sign the 27-year-old versatile fullback but Prince believes he still has a place on the team.
“Meady will have to bite the bullet and play on the wing. There’s nothing against Meady he’s a great fullback but when you’ve got the opportunity to play with Jarryd Hayne you take it.”
“It’ll draw other quality footballers to the club, having the chance to play with someone like Jarryd, people are going to want do that.”
The status Hayne’s signature brings to the NRL at large will entice fans and sponsors alike to the new club and players will be ‘lining up’ to play with the Titans, according to their former captain.
“It’ll draw other quality footballers to the club, having the chance to play with someone like Jarryd, people are going to want do that.”
He’ll join Nathan Peats and Ash Taylor to cement a strong spine to round out a tough pack across the park that looks dangerous for the competition.
Hayne now joins a list of code hopping superstars like Sonny Bill Williams, Wendell Sailor and Lote Tiqiri who all returned to the greatest game of all after playing elsewhere and according to Prince, that’s the excitement of NRL that can’t be beaten.
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“We might not be able to match the salaries of the NFL, AFL or European Rugby but everyone comes back to rugby league. Everyone loves the game and that’s the difference between us and other codes.”
Many doubted the Titans chances at making the finals at the start of the year and more couldn’t have expected their season to unfold the way it has. While the finals are still a few weeks away, Prince says Hayne’s involvement will raise the bar.
“I’m not saying they’re going to win a premiership but this is their chance to play finals football for a few years in a row and that’s massive for a young club”.
Under the NRL rules, players can join an NRL club after June 30 as long as they are not switching from another club. The decision requires NRL approval which was given in this case in the best interests of the game.
