Inside the NRL: Hayne's latest move and the end of the Sharks' winning streak
By Jenna Brooks | Twitter: @JennaBrooks |
Last Updated: 03/08/16 4:08pm
Jenna Brooks has all the big news coming out of the NRL as Jarryd Hayne delivers another career shock, Cronulla's winning streak comes to an end, and Lou Goodwin is named the inaugural NRL Rookie.
Hayne torn
Jarryd Hayne has delivered another surprise this week, signing a two-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans.
Hayne had strongly been linked with a return to his former club Parramatta, but according to their former star, no formal offer had been made.
"I never thought I would join another club. Not in my wildest dreams did I think I would be up here on the Gold Coast," Hayne said at Wednesday's press conference. "Everything happens for a reason. I always wanted to go back to Parra. I was waiting and waiting.
"I had to make a decision and it's torn me apart. It was tough emotionally but deep down it's the right one."
The two-time Dally M winner, who hasn't played rugby league since leaving the NRL at the end of the 2014 season, will be available for selection immediately and could make his Titans debut this weekend against the Warriors.
Cronulla's streak over
Hayne's new team the Titans pulled off an enthralling 18-18 draw to bring Cronulla's winning streak to an end on Monday.
The Sharks, who were chasing a 16th straight win, came from six points behind with seven minutes to go, to level the scores and send the game into golden point.
In two halves of extra-time neither side could find a winning point. Cronulla had the better opportunities, but James Maloney missed three field goal attempts, as the Sharks' winning streak ended on 15 games.
Cronulla remain at the top of the ladder, a point above the Melbourne Storm.
Maloney boost
Cronulla received a boost on Wednesday as James Maloney was found not guilty of dangerous contact on Konrad Hurrell during Monday's draw with the Gold Coast.
The five-eighth was facing a three-match ban, but the judiciary found Maloney not guilty after a lengthy hearing and he is free to play Canberra on Saturday.
Bennett's woes continue
Wayne Bennett's Broncos fell to a seventh defeat in nine games on Thursday night. Brisbane were beaten by 15th-placed Sydney Roosters, who managed just their fourth win of the season. They beat the Broncos 32-16, putting a huge dent in Brisbane's top-four hopes.
Reports in Australia suggest Bennett has held private talks with Queensland State of Origin coach Kevin Walters, in a bid to have him return to his coaching duties with Brisbane.
Last year Walters was stood down as Broncos assistant to focus solely on his Origin duties, but after winning the series it looks like the former Catalans Dragons coach will return to Brisbane in the hope to re-ignite their halves combination that has struggled in recent weeks.
A new low for Burgess
South Sydney fell to a 54-4 defeat to Canberra on Sunday as the Raiders touched down 10 tries, recording their fifth straight win.
Sam Burgess couldn't hide his disappointment after the game, saying: "I can't remember the last time that happened at Souths; I might not have been part of the club. I'm a little bit confused with how we could let that many points in."
The Rabbitohs captain took an early guilty plea for grade one dangerous contact and will be free to play against Melbourne on Saturday.
Goodwin wins Rookie
Lou Goodwin has become the inaugural winner of the NRL Rookie, which was shown on Sky Sports, and will further develop his talents in Canberra after securing a one-year contract with the Raiders.
The Gold Coast Titans also attempted to land the 25-year-old carpenter, but Goodwin opted for Canberra.
Bradford Bulls centre Adrian Purcell, who spent four seasons playing for the Raiders, believes Canberra is the perfect fit for Goodwin.
"I'm living with Joel Monaghan in England at the moment and we saw the live show," Purcell said. "It's a great place to play footy as you get all the benefits of a high-quality, professional organisation and Canberra has a country feel about it as well."
