http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...lenge-to-mitchell-pearce-20171104-gzeywr.html
Hayne seeking sport-family balance
Jarryd Hayne's unsettled state is due solely to his desire to be a good father. This column has written previously and at length about that desire, with full knowledge that the relationship he found himself in was never going to be an easy one and that his priority is his daughter. That was why he waited so long to announce he was taking up his $1.2 million option.
But the situation is more pressing now because his daughter will be in Sydney.
Hayne's desire to be a good dad is due to the way that his mum, Jodie, raised him. A single mum in a housing commission property, her life was her kids and Hayne has followed her lead in that regard.
"Jarryd is all about family," she said. "Jarryd is trying to find a balance between playing his sport and family and everyone needs to respect that. He's signed with the Titans, so that's where I think he is playing next year."
The Titans are aware of his personal issues, but that doesn't mean they have not been hit for six by the idea he wants to follow his child south. Officials have put their necks on the line for him. Hayne didn't force the club to sack their previous coach.
The Titans have also signed Hayden Knowles as their conditioner. Knowles and Hayne are great mates and while he was signed for his ability, there is no question that Knowles' relationship with Hayne was taken into account. The Titans paid Knowles at least double what he was on at the Roosters. It may mean Garth Brennan will have to go with one assistant coach next year for budget reasons.
The Titans are convinced Parramatta have been driving the Hayne to Sydney story. They are wondering whether the Eels are breaking NRL rules by inducing him to break a contract. That is an issue for another day.
The Titans were hoping desperately that with a new coach and plenty to prove, Hayne would become the player they signed him to be. As of late in the week, the Titans had still not heard from Hayne: Not to request a release; not to say he was staying put.
