It will be fullback.
What I am about to say here is not a scoop or anything I have proof of, it is just something I have observed. I am of the opinion that Jarryd Hayne not only had lost faith in Stephen Kearney but was also aware of - even involved in - the decision to bring Ricky Stuart here as the next coach. Of course, if it happens not to be Stuart then I am talking out my 4rse!
In 2010 and again last season, Hayne was often a go-to man for the media when a positive spin on Stephen Kearney was required. This year, I can't remember one quote from Hayne stating he had complete faith in Kearney. He seemed (to me) to be down in the dumps - not only about the continual losing - but about things in general regarding the team environment.
Along comes Origin and suddenly Hayne comes alive and is talking up Ricky Stuart like he is the next messiah. Apart from the obvious Origin vibe, there was something else there I noted. A kind of confidence that things would be better soon (at the Eels). It was like Stuart took him aside and not only gave him a pep talk about how valued he was but also hinted to him that this is only the start of their relationship because he was coming to Parra to take over Kearney's job.
As I said, I have absolutely no proof of this being the way things went down and I am happy to cop any criticism to that effect but I watch people's body language carefully and try to read between the lines. We'll see, I guess.
Go the Eels!
WOE
