Parra Pride
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PARRAMATTA'S bid to make Jarryd Hayne their next one-club superstar has begun.
Less than a week after Israel Folau's backflip left them stunned, Eels officials have dusted themselves off and opened negotiations to keep their most valuable free agent.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart and recruitment manager Peter Nolan met Hayne's manager Wayne Beavis on Wednesday night.
The mission to keep Hayne beyond 2013 is now the club's top priority.
While no formal offer was tabled during the meeting at Parramatta's football office, the Eels are considering a three or four-year extension.
Hayne could command close to $1 million a season should the salary cap increase significantly as a result of the new broadcast deal.
The 24-year-old has told friends of his desire to stay put, and Beavis last night said Parramatta would be given "first lick of the ice cream".
The veteran agent also indicated these negotiations would be more straight forward than when Hayne and Parramatta last renewed vows in late 2009.
Fresh from claiming the Dally M medal, the fullback was heavily linked to AFL newcomers GWS.
A code defection of any kind now appears off the cards, with Beavis also claiming Hayne was unlikely to consider an end-of-season stint in Japanese rugby.
"Jarryd was 20 years old back then - he's a lot more mature now," Beavis said. "I can't see any impediments, but of course we'd need to talk to anyone that shows interest. In saying that, we'll give the incumbent club first lick of the ice cream."
Parramatta's roster is now relatively settled under Stuart.
Apart from Hayne, all the team's senior players - Reni Maitua, Chris Sandow, Willie Tonga, Ben Smith and Fuifui Moimoi - are contracted beyond next year.
Mormon missionary Will Hopoate is also signed up for 2014, leaving the club free to chase the likes of Robbie Farah, James Tamou and Todd Carney.
Eels officials would prefer to secure the local junior before next February's trials begin.
"It's very heartening to see how much Jarryd loves the club," Stuart said.
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