Parramatta great Nathan Hindmarsh believes Jarryd Hayne is playing close to his stunning form in 2009 and urged NSW coach Laurie Daley to resist the temptation to pick him at centre for the State of Origin series.
Hayne has been in brilliant touch for the revitalised Eels who have already matched their number of wins for the whole of 2013 after nine rounds of this season.
Hindmarsh played alongside Hayne when he produced a number of spellbinding displays to guide the Eels to the 2009 grand final against Melbourne.
The former representative back-rower claims the 26-year-old has failed to reach those heady heights on a consistent basis ever since, but after his mesmerising try against Cronulla on Monday, where he beat five players to score, Hindmarsh said he must be picked in the No.1 jumper for the Blues.
"I think he has to be fullback for NSW, the way he returns the ball when he carries it and his vision as well," Hindmarsh told AAP.
"He can find a pass and he can ball-play. If that's the way Laurie Daley is heading that he wants to have a fullback who can ball-play around the back with those sweeping plays, then he has to pick Haynesy."
"To be honest he hasn't set the world on fire since '09, but I thought Monday night was an indication of where he is getting back to.
"I am not saying he played bad football in that time, but what he did in '09 will be very hard to happen (again) and it has put a lot of pressure on him."
Hayne has been a self-confessed bad trainer for most of his career but Hindmarsh has seen an improvement in his attitude and believes that's helped by the responsibility of being skipper.
"He's a very smart rugby league player and has a good brain," he said.
"The way I've seen him go about his dedication to training is far better than anything I've seen before from him.
"I think the results are what we are seeing on the field right now."
Hayne said he has no idea what role Daley wants from him but said he is happy to play anywhere.
"I enjoy being a versatile player and will play anywhere," Hayne said.
"As much as I love doing it, it raises a lot of questions about where I am going to play as well.
Hayne and Dugan will face off on Saturday at Pirtek Stadium in what's being seen as an audition for the Origin opener on May 28, but the 26-year-old believes Daley will have already made up his mind about his team.
"Laurie is a smart coach and he'll do whatever is right. I don't think the Dragons game will be an audition between me and Duges, the team will already be picked by then."
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