Gold Coast coach Neil Henry says his relationship with Jarryd Hayne is fine, labelling recent media coverage of a rift between them as a “beat up”.

“We had a beer after the game last week, the comments (about our relationship) again are a beat up,” Henry said.

“They’re talking about him arguing on field … As I said before players who want the ball will call for the ball, Jarryd and I are fine.”

Henry reiterated Hayne has been working hard at training and would like the former NSW Origin star to sign a contract extension, keeping him at the Titans in 2018.

Since joining the Gold Coast last August there has been constant media scrutiny about Hayne, ranging from his attitude at training to contract negotiations to secure his future in Rugby League.

On his return to the NRL after missing six weeks through injury, Hayne found himself back in the public eye when former Queensland Origin player Justin Hodges told Fox Sports’ Queenslanders Only the ex-NFL player had a negative influence on the Titans.

“The thing that stands out to me is that he blows up to the refs too often, he’s blowing up about his teammates,” Hodges said.

“They can have a really negative vibe, especially on those young halves. Ash Taylor and those guys really look up to him and look for advice.

“You can’t get advice from someone who doesn’t want to be there for you and doesn’t look interested at all … That’s what Haynesy needs to change.”

Gold Coast co-captain Ryan James disagrees, saying Hayne brings an extraordinary skill set and direction to the Titans.

“He just sees things other people don’t see and he has the ability others don’t,” James said.

“It’s great to have him back, it isn’t talked about much but on the field his talk out the back just really helps the blokes in the middle of the park.”