Why Jarryd Hayne’s not worth the pain for Parramatta

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IT’S the $500,000 question for Parramatta’s front office — should they re-sign Jarryd Hayne?

The two-time Dally M winner’s future has come under the spotlight as the end of the 2018 season looms.

Off-contract at the end of the year, Hayne is playing for his future — and his contract status prompted a heated debate on the Monday Bunker between Dean Ritchie and Paul Crawley.

Ritchie said if he was in charge of Parramatta’s recruitment he would give Hayne another year on a contract similar to his current $500,000 deal.

“If they can get him for the same price, maybe a touch less,” Ritchie said.

“He’s shown the last couple of weeks that he still loves the game, he’s still got the ability I think we know he has.

“It’s not 2009, we’ve got to move on from that, we know he can’t produce that kind of form ever again. But I think he’s well worthwhile one more year at Parramatta.”

But Crawley strongly disagreed, saying regardless of his recent form the Eels should let Hayne go.

“He could win every man of the match between now and the end of the season and I still wouldn’t give him a contract for next season,” Crawley said.

“The question I ask is why has it taken this long?

“He always seems to perform when they rip the rug from under him and he’s forced to perform. Where has this been all year.”

Crawley questioned Hayne’s impact on the Eels after he rejoined Parramatta following an unhappy stint with the Gold Coast Titans.

“He goes to Parramatta this year, a team that most expected to be a top four team and they’re not there,” he said.