Hull KR's Sam Latus speaks of the valuable experience gained at a Parramatta training camp.
Hull KR prospect learns from the best at Parramatta training camp
Recent developments have suggested that NRL superstars are going to have an increasingly explosive impact on the Engage Super League in coming seasons.
As well as the host of players from Down Under already competing in Europe's top league, Wigan recently signed Melbourne Strom trio Ryan Hoffman, Jeff Lima and Brett Finch while Salford have secured the services of exciting full-back Luke Patten.
But 22-year-old Parramatta full-back Jarryd Hayne is not a player many would tip to have an influence on Super League in the near future.
The lightning quick Australia international, who was named the International Federation Player of the Year in 2009, is firmly established as the Eels' prize asset and regularly hogs the headlines in Australia.
However, if emerging Hull KR prospect Sam Latus fulfils the potential he showed when scoring his first senior try in Saturday's 49-24 win against Bradford, 'The Hayne Train' may well be able to claim a portion of the credit.
Convert
The 20-year-old Latus, a convert from rugby union, spent a winter training camp learning from Hayne and his Parramatta team-mates in a move organised by Rovers' analyst Andrew Webster. His older brother Jack, also on the books at Hull KR, travelled with him.
Latus, who has appeared in five consecutive games for the Robins, gained a lot from the likes of Eels players FuiFui MoiMoi and Nathan Cayless, but reserved his highest praise for Hayne.
"Going over to Parramatta really helped me learn the game," he said. "It wasn't an easy switch from union but I've been going at it a few years now with the coaches. I've gradually learned the game and I'm really enjoying it.
"Going somewhere like that, with all their heritage, was a really good experience for both me and Jack and we have done out best to bring it back over here with us. While we were out there we got to train with Jarryd Hayne who had just come back from the World Cup where he had been playing with Fiji.
"He's been doing really well since then, he's someone I admire a lot and he's playing fantastically well at the moment."
Faith
Latus' impressive performance against Bradford marked a turn around in fortunes from an error-strewn display in the 20-16 defeat to arch-rivals Hull FC. After his string of errors, it came as something of a surprise that he was included again for the clash with the Bulls.
Coach Justin Morgan's faith was repaid with a stellar performance and Latus is now hoping to carry his form through to the end of the season, where negotiations over a new contract seemingly await.
He added: "A few things didn't go my way in the derby game but Justin, the coaching staff and all the players have been really good with me and kept my confidence up.
"Justin showing the faith he did in me helped.
"I tried to be solid against Bradford and eradicate the errors from my game and to get my try was great. I've really enjoyed being in the first team. The players have made it a lot easier for me to fit in. They've been playing really well and me being on the back of that has made it easier for me. It's been going great.
"I just want to keep going until the end of the season and if there's a space it will hopefully come my way."
