Dyldam Parramatta Eels Co-Captain Jarryd Hayne says the side has been preparing for Dragons recruit Benji Marshall totake the field when they play in Round 10 at Pirtek Stadium tomorrow.
At Friday morning's final Captain's Run before the match, Hayne said Marshall's a quality talent who he expects to see playing.
“It’s going to be exciting to see him back, and I’m sure he’s full of energy,” Hayne said.
“The biggest thing I’ve noticed is his new attitude; he’s definitely determined and hungry to get back to his ball-playing best, and he’s going to be a huge threat.”
“When someone is hungry and wants to prove people wrong, it does motivate him a lot and makes you go to another level.”
Despite being away from rugby league this year, Hayne says he’s still going to be a dangerous player who brings a lot to the Dragons.
“He’s been playing a long time, and he’s only been out of the game for nine rounds, and realistically he hasn’t been out for too long,” he said.
“He’s back with a lot more hunger than when he left, and a lot more motivation than when he left as well, so he’s going to add a whole new dimension in their attack.”
The Blue and Gold have a short turnaround leading into this game after Monday night’s 42-24 win over the Cronulla Sharks.
“It’s been tough, with the short turnaround; it’s never easy, but we knew it would be coming into it,” Hayne said.
“So it’s been about recovery, and we had a good session the other day, and we’ve done everything we’ve been able to do and we’re ready for tomorrow.”
Saturday's NRL match between the Eels and Dragons is part of a triple-header at Parramatta's Pirtek Stadium, with NYC at 10.40am, Wentworthville playing the Illawarra Cutters at 12.45pm and NRL kick off at 3pm. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy all the action in the precinct!
