Hayne's dreams in judiciary's hands
By Samantha Broun AAP Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:31:22
Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne had his NRL grand final hopes thrown into jeopardy just moments into Friday night's 22-12 preliminary final victory over the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
The Dally M medallist was placed on report and conceded a shot at an eight-point try in the third minute for a dangerous contact charge after flooring Bulldogs opening try scorer Bryson Goodwin.
Hayne's possible suspension would deliver the most devastating of blows to the Eels, whose impressive record of ten wins from their last 11 matches, has been ignited by the fullback's spectacular form.
Hayne came flying across the in-goal, knees first with his feet tucked up behind him, as he desperately tried to stop winger Goodwin from inflicting the psychological blow of getting first points on the scoreboard.
Goodwin was left groggy after feeling the full force of Hayne's knees on the back of his head and laid face down in the turf while Hazem El Masri unsuccessfully attempted the sideline conversion but nailed the penalty from in front.
Bulldogs fullback Luke Patten was knocked out in the first minute by an accidental knee from Eels captain Nathan Cayless, forcing a major reshuffle to the Dogs backline.
Retiring Bulldogs hero El Masri slotted into fullback and set up the Belmore club's first try.
"El Magic" kicked a beautifully weighted grubber to his left wing which Goodwin dived on and grounded with precision timing.
Hayne appeared to be bewildered by referee Tony Archer's decision and was heard, through the match telecast, protesting that he had his feet back.
The Eels hero now faces an anxious wait to learn what grading his impending charge will attract.
Hayne will likely escape suspension if the offence is deemed only a grade one, as he has no carry over points at the judiciary.
