Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has hailed Jarryd Hayne as a difference-maker and says their 2018 NRL season would have been more dire if it wasn’t for the star’s presence.

A fit and rejuvenated Hayne signalled he still has plenty to offer after turning in his best performance in years in last week’s error-riddled loss to Newcastle.

Hayne chalked up a massive 189 metres, 14 tackle busts and was the spark behind two of the Eels’ three tries.

The former NSW and Australian outside back is off-contract at the end of the year but the code-hopping star has repeatedly stated he won’t address his future until the conclusion of the season.

Hayne has this year been hobbled by a niggling hip injury which he brought into the season, but after starring against the Knights he said he was feeling fit for the first time since coming back to the blue and golds.

The Eels are sitting at the bottom of the table with just three wins.

Arthur said on the two occasions Hayne had returned from injury, the 30-year-old was the difference between winning and losing – against Manly in round seven when they broke a seven-game losing streak and against North Queensland when they ended a five-game winless run.

“Maybe, when I moved him to fullback in round three, it was too early, he wasn’t quite fit enough to play that role,” Arthur said.

“He came back against Manly, probably a week too early because he wanted to get out there for his teammates, and he made a real difference for us, that was our first win.

“Then his next return was against the Cowboys and if doesn’t play we don’t win.

“From there, his last four games, he’s been in our best three players every week.

“On the weekend was probably our best game for us but it’s not coincidental, it’s because he’s fit. He’s back to doing full training, his body is really good so we need to maintain that and keep giving us a chance to win.”

Asked if he wanted to see Hayne play on, Arthur said: “That’s something me and Jarryd have had a brief conversation about.

“We’ll address it at the end of the year, he’s happy to wait.

“The priority for him and for us is for him to continue to play the way he is.”