Gold Coast captain Ryan James says he has “no doubt” Jarryd Hayne will stay at the NRL club next season despite reports suggesting he wants to leave.
Contracted to the Titans for 2018, Hayne has denied reports he is seeking a return to Sydney and former club Parramatta for personal reasons.
James said Hayne had been in touch since the reports emerged he expects him to join the club’s preseason after completing his Rugby League World Cup campaign with Fiji.
“I’m expecting him to come back. He said on the Whatsapp he hasn’t spoken to anyone,” James said.
“He’s kept in contact with all of us … I’ve got no doubt (he’ll remain at the Titans) from what he’s said to us. Hopefully that’s what happens.”
Hayne’s fractured relationship with Neil Henry was a factor in the coach’s axing last season, while his indifferent form contributed to the Titans finishing second-last in 2017.
Before the reports surfaced last week, Hayne was expected to honour the final year of his contract under new coach Garth Brennan and newly-hired support staff Hayden Knowles and Craig Catterick, who he knows well from his Parramatta days.
James said Hayne would be among many Titans players needing to lift their form next year, adding they had “drawn a line in the sand”.
“It was all said in the wrap up of the season. Everyone had their chance to talk, and it’s resonated with the 15 or 16 that are still here,” James said.
“Jarryd’s a big part of our team; when he’s firing there’s not too many people who can stop him.
“He’s been playing great for Fiji at the moment and looked like he’s been having fun and hopefully can bring that back to the squad next year.”