A rested and refreshed Jarryd Hayne is ready to spearhead Parramatta's tilt at the NRL finals, according to Eels coach Brad Arthur.
The NSW fullback was rested for the Eels' 48-0 thrashing to the Warriors last week after a demanding State of Origin period, but is fit and firing ahead of Friday night's round 19 match against South Sydney.
"He has had a good break, a good rest, physically and mentally he is preparing to get in there and play a big part for us tomorrow night," Arthur said at training on Friday.
"He was carrying a little bit of a leg injury so he wouldn't have been right to play for us last week anyway.
"He was very strong at the start of the year, then he had opportunity to concentrate on his Origin series which is what he has done now and now is his time to concentrate on helping Parramatta push to the end of the year."
Arthur's decision to rest Hayne could cost the Eels a finals spot with another forgettable effort coming against Penrith after Hayne was rested after the opening interstate fixture.
"We will have to wait until the end of the year to see about that," Arthur said.
"But it was on advice from the medical staff and at the end of the day his welfare is more important and it is more important that he is playing for us at the back end of the year instead of maybe rushing him out for a game that he gets injured in."
Souths are also coming off a below-par performance, a 14-10 loss to the Gold Coast in round 17, but should be refreshed after the bye last weekend.
They were without Greg Inglis for the Titans match due to his Queensland commitments.
His battle with Parramatta captain Hayne could decide the Pirtek Stadium fixture.
"Souths will be fired up," Arthur said.
"Every club plays their game with pride and both clubs are hurting in that department at the moment.
"It is going to be the battle up front, which ever forwards get on top it is going to allow the fullbacks to come into their own.
"We need to have no respect for our bodies this week, they are a big side and we need to get our bodies in front and be very physical."
Co-captain Tim Mannah (shoulder) won't return this week. Junior Paulo has been named to start at prop alongside Fui Fui Moi Moi who is closing in on his 200th NRL game.
Share
