SKIPPER Jarryd Hayne believes the responsibility of leading a rejuvenated Parramatta is the catalyst behind his outstanding recent form.
Hayne’s performances have been a major reason for the Eels’ 4-2 start to the season - the club’s best in a decade following successive wooden spoons.
te having been tipped as wooden spooners rather than premiership contenders.
Under new coach Brad Arthur the Eels have won their past three games and Hayne has been lifted by the enthusiasm and desire of a new-look squad.
‘‘When you are a young team that lacks a bit of experience you don’t realise how good you can be at times,’’ Hayne said. ‘‘I am just trying to instil a bit of confidence. I’m trying to make them realise the key in the NRL is to work as one and turn up for one another.’’
Hayne shares the captaincy with Tim Mannah but says there have been no demands from Arthur to go onto the field and lead by example. ‘‘I think it’s just a given for me being an older player, no one has told me to do it,’’ he said. ‘‘Myself and the older guys like Timmy and Tong (Willie Tonga) know that if we set the standard then the young boys will follow.’’ Young guns Semi Redradra, Corey Norman, Joseph Paulo and Manu Ma’u have been a breath of fresh air along with a reborn Chris Sandow and the returning Will Hopoate. Fijiian winger Redradra’s scored nine tries in seven games, with Brisbane Test centre Justin Hodges recently saying he could be as good as dual internationals Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri. ‘‘Semi is a real talent and still learning all the time; he can only get better,’’ Hayne said. ‘‘But we have no real superstars, everyone’s just working for each other.’’
