JARRYD Hayne's unforgettable Origin series may have started with a blemish but it's likely to finish with a bulging bank balance.
In a stunning twist of fortune for the NSW winger, Eels officials have revealed they're preparing to approach Hayne about signing a lucrative new long-term deal.
Already contracted until 2008, the Parramatta club wants Hayne until at least 2011 at a potential cost of $350,000 a season.
Such a figure would easily ensure he was the highest-paid winger in the Australian game.
"Even though he's on contract for next year, we're talking to Jarryd now about trying to get his deal extended " Parramatta coach Michael Hagan told
The Sunday Telegraph.
"I think he's a wonderful young player. He's got a big future at our club, for sure."
Hagan said the club had begun devising a way to extend and upgrade Hayne's present contract, with the Origin series being the Eels' only hurdle.
"We've been talking to Jarryd's manager Wayne Beavis for a number of months but we've understood that the Origin commitments have taken priority," Hagan said.
"But we'd really like to sit down now and get him sorted out."
Hayne etched his name into Origin folklore in Game I with a stunning first-half try and a shocking second-half gaffe which resulted in a Darren Lockyer try.
His ability to shake off any drop in confidence and maintain his composure for the Blues in their following two matches was all class.
"I thought he was outstanding the whole series," Hagan said.
"He showed that form in the Origin series, and the way he held that form in his club football throughout the series was fantastic as well."
Eels centre Timana Tahu's decision to swap codes next season has provided the club with a major bonus in extending Hayne's contract.
Parramatta officials hope the prospect of using Hayne closer to the action will be enough to further his future at the club.
"With Jarryd, Luke (Burt) and Ben (Smith) and Krisnan Inu, I think we've got the potential to be an exciting backline," Hagan said.
Beavis said his client was open to discussions.
"We're in no rush," he said. "But we're happy to sit and talk at any time. I can understand where they're coming from and we'll sit down at the appropriate time and have a chat."
The Eels' urgency to talk to Hayne relates to their commitment to securing the club's playing future.
Almost $2.1 million has been spent in recent months, with rising star Feleti Mateo, former rookie of the year Tim Smith, prop Josh Cordoba, veteran Daniel Wagon and promising rake Matt Keating also signing new deals.
Keating is seen as a replacement to hooker P J Marsh, who is in the process of testing his worth on the open market.
http://www.news.com.au/sundaytelegraph/story/0,,22034379-5006066,00.html
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