BRAD Fittler rates a fit and firing Jarryd Hayne alongside Greg Inglis as the games most dangerous player.
But the City coach says that doesnt mean he would be setting Hayne up for a head-to-head showdown with the Queensland superstar in State of Origin this year because, Fittler believes, Haynes best position for NSW is still at fullback.
There has been mounting speculation the Blues may choose to follow Kangaroo coach Tim Sheens lead and play Hayne at right centre given his phenomenal performances at last years World Cup.
Sheens overlooked established centres Michael Jennings, Josh Morris and Brent Tate for the vacant centre spot in the tournament final and it proved a selection masterstroke with Hayne arguably the best player on the field.
If Hayne was to shift to centre for NSW, it would open the door for Laurie Daley to play either Brett Stewart or Josh Dugan at fullback.
But asked where he believed Hayne would be best playing for the Blues, Fittler didnt hesitate.
Fullback. Thats what I reckon.
Sheens was reluctant to get into any debate about what he would be doing with the Australian team for the upcoming Test against New Zealand on May 2.
Justin Hodges was unavailable for last years World Cup, but Hodges returned from injury last weekend and the Brisbane veteran has owned the Kangaroos right centre position for years when fit.
Asked for his early thoughts on that selection dilemma, Sheens responded: I am not going to talk about whether (Hayne) will be the right centre. He will be considered as will they all.
But there are three weeks to go and a lot of footy has to be played.
Touch wood for injury but anything can happen in that period of time.
I have been around too long to start predicting this far out.
But one thing everyone agrees on is that Hayne has found vintage form since the World Cup and all indications are that he has rediscovered his hunger under Brad Arthur.
Fox Sports Stats show Haynes individual efforts this year rate right up with Inglis.
From five games Hayne has three tries, 29 tackle busts, three line breaks, seven linebreak assists and four try assists.
Inglis has four tries with 35 tackles busts (13 of those came last week against the Dragons), seven linebreaks, one linebreak assist and one try assist.
People talk about how important Inglis is to Souths, but since 2009 Parramattas winning record rockets from 14.3 per cent to 40.6 per cent when Hayne is playing.
And while his consistency has been criticised over the years, on his day, no one can argue about Haynes worth.
Normally reserved Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin made a comment recently that when Hayne is on song he is the best player in rugby league.
Asked for his thoughts on that, Fittler said: When he is on, him and Greg are the same, purely because they are so big.
They can actually beat you even though you want to tackle them. They are so fast and they are footballers.
They can create space and work with other players. They are the ultimate packages when they are on.
And on their day, I dont know if anyone has ever been as good as them.
Sheens also rates Hayne right up with the very best.
When you are picking representatives sides some people just walk in automatically and Jarryd is one of those guys, Sheens said.
I think he is an automatic pick for NSW when he is healthy and it is the same for Australia.
Put it this way, when the other players like to play with you that is indicative of their respect.
That is probably the ultimate compliment, particularly in a side of the calibre of Australia.
Somewhere you are going to find a spot for him, whether it is fullback, wing or centre, you are going to find a spot for him.
The Eels go into tonights game against the Roosters as outsiders given the 56-4 flogging they copped off the premiers back in round two.
But since then Parramatta have been on the way up.
They bounced back against Manly, losing a close 22-18 contest decided by goalkicking, before scoring back-to-back wins over Penrith and Brisbane that now has them ahead of the Roosters on the NRL ladder.
Coming off a two-week losing streak, defending champions, the Roosters are not convinced their clash with Parramatta this week will be an easy one.
Asked if he gave the Eels a shot, Fittler said: Absolutely. They will have a full house. They will be tough.
I dont know what (Brad Arthur) is doing but they look really motivated at the moment.
Jarryd was brilliant against Brisbane, just great to watch.
You can go out there fully motivated and do the best you can but in our game you have to go out and do your best and work with people and that is what they are doing.
They are happy and when they are happy they are a dangerous team.
