Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne has given the struggling Eels a major boost by declaring he is ready to return from injury in Saturday night’s crucial NRL clash with Manly.
Hayne’s start to the season has been plagued by a knee injury first suffered during the trials, the Eels going 0-4 in his absence to sit in last place on the ladder.
But having survived a series of tough fitness tests over the weekend, Hayne said he would be back on deck as the Eels attempt to get their NRL campaign started.
“It’s good,” Hayne said of his knee.
“Obviously it won’t be 100 per cent for a while but it’s runnable, playable.
“I’ve done two very tough sessions and did my longest session on Saturday (lasting) 75 minutes.
“It pulled up sore but not as bad as I thought it’d be.”
Hayne’s return should give the Eels’ confidence a shot in the arm, though the Sea Eagles will also be smarting with the NRL premiers heading into the clash on the back of consecutive losses.