JARRYD Hayne has challenged himself to adopt Darren Lockyer's champion qualities in a bid to become Parramatta's ideal skipper. Not satisfied with his performance in last weekend's narrow loss to Canterbury, Hayne yesterday nominated Lockyer as the style of leader he needs to emulate.
The newly appointed Eels co-captain also revealed he had sought advice from both Lockyer and seven-time premiership-winning coach Wayne Bennett.
After an opening-round hat-trick against the Warriors, Hayne came back to earth last Thursday night when he tried in vain to deliver a match-winning blow against a decimated Bulldogs outfit.
It was a challenge custom-made for Lockyer, who single-handedly won countless games for the Broncos with his composure and nous.
"I was pretty disappointed with my game," Hayne said.
"I probably didn't take the opportunities that I'm used to taking or the risks. It's all about finding when and when not to.
"A bloke like Darren Lockyer is one of those captains that I really enjoyed watching.
"When he was under the pump he would bring out the big play and do something special. That's something I can definitely learn and get a better understanding of."
In All-Stars and Australian camps Hayne has made a habit of sounding out Lockyer or Bennett to further his education.
"I spoke to (Lockyer) last year to pick his brain about a couple of things," the 25-year-old said. "Him and Wayne Bennett are people I love talking to and asking questions.
"I'm always asking Wayne about his grand final record.
"How could he win seven grand finals. He just laughed and said that if there was a secret he'd tell me.
"I'm always trying to pick their brains and emulate what they do."
With fellow co-captain Reni Maitua racing the clock to overcome an ankle injury ahead of Friday night's clash against Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval, Hayne is likely to be flying solo in just his third outing as skipper.
Maitua received further treatment during yesterday's field session and is considered a remote chance of playing.
But Ken Sio (ankle) and Luke Kelly (hamstring) both trained and will come into calculations for a return.
"I'm still getting used to (the captaincy)," Hayne said.
"Always having Nathan Hindmarsh and Nathan Cayless there, it's something I'm still learning. It's tough to pin-point an area (I need to improve). I've just got to worry about leading from the front and playing good footy."
Im in agreement with HJ
