Former NRL star Justin Hodges has slammed Titan Jarryd Hayne, stating his attitude could have a negative effect on his Gold Coast teammates.
Hayne was seen in numerous arguments with halfback Ashley Taylor during his side's 16-12 win over Cronulla on Saturday, and also had a go at teammate Dan Sarginson for dropping the ball during a play.
Titans coach Neil Henry told media on Thursday he didn't have a problem with the way Hayne handles himself, although Hodges disagrees.
“It’s not a good look for your leader to be doing those kinds of things,” Hodges told Fox Sports’ Queenslanders Only.
“I remember when I was playing, I did it as well and to try and get those guys back up and play the football, it’s very hard. And I learnt that towards the end of my career.
“Jarryd Hayne’s a great player. There’s a lot of things that come with being him.
“But the thing that stands out to me is that he blows up to the refs too often, he’s blowing up about his teammates, he’s doing this, he’s doing that.
“That can have a really negative vibe, especially on those young halves. Ash Taylor and those guys, I guarantee they look up to him and look for advice.
“You can’t get advice from someone who doesn’t want to be there for you and doesn’t look interested at all. I think that’s what Haynesy needs to change.”
Despite Hayne having a positive on-field influence on Gold Coast's win over Cronulla with 98 run metres, eight tackles and a try assist, Hodges believes the bad outweighs the good with Hayne, and cited some reasons as to why he wouldn't keep him on at the Titans next season.
“I wouldn’t sign him, these are the reasons why," he said.
“He’s going to be infectious for the club. He’s a great player but he’s not helping those guys get better.
“When you’re the best player in your team, you’ve got to take it upon yourself to make the guys who are average better players and better people. I just don’t think he can do that.”
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