Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne admits it’s tough watching former teammate Krisnan Inu play so well for Canterbury when his side is struggling at the bottom of the NRL ladder.
Inu began his first-grade career with Hayne at the Eels in 2007, but has since been a standout for the Bulldogs after a mid-season transfer from the Warriors.
While Hayne accepts Inu’s move across town, he would relish the chance to have his good mate back playing for the struggling Eels outfit.
“Obviously, I’d love him to be at Parra but it is what it is. It’s tough,” Hayne told AAP on Wednesday.
“I guess from growing up with him and that, we always wanted to play together.
“It is tough when you’re sitting on the other side.”
Inu will face his old club for the first time in blue-and-white at ANZ Stadium on Friday night – minus Hayne, who is out for up to four weeks with a foot injury.
The Bulldogs sit just two points behind ladder-leaders Melbourne and are a chance at the minor premiership, while the Eels are on target for the wooden spoon with just three wins from 16 games.
Regardless, Inu still anticipates a big game.
“I’m on the other side so it’ll be even better – I can’t wait,” the Bulldogs player said.
“I made my debut there (at Parramatta), most of my life I played with a lot of those boys at school and growing up at club level, so I’ll be excited to run out there and play against them again.”
Inu is disappointed he won’t get the chance on Friday to play against Hayne, who he says is a crucial loss for the Eels.
“He’s a big key to their team and they surely will miss him,” he said.
“He plays a big part but, just like any other team, you can’t rely on one player to win the game for you.”
Asked whether he had any plans for a post-try celebration if he scores against his former club, Inu said: “I’ve got nothing.”
“Whatever emotion comes along at the time, but we’ll see what happens. Hopefully, I do score.”