Hayne keen to make up for blown chance

Parramatta winger Jarryd Hayne has already blown one representative opportunity, and is not about to let a second chance pass him by.

The 19-year-old flyer will make his representative debut for NSW City against NSW Country in Coffs Harbour on Thursday after playing just 23 NRL games.

He was a shock selection in Australia's Tri Nations squad last season after being named rookie of the year, but admits he squandered the chance to make his Test debut and was the only player not used during the campaign.

Surprised he was selected in the City team this week after an average start to 2007, Hayne has vowed to put in his best performance of the year to push claims for a NSW State of Origin jumper.

"Most of it I didn't handle properly and the Tri Nations was a bit of a let down," said Hayne of his Kangaroos' experience.

"It was a learning experience last year. I had a missed opportunity is the way I look at it. I didn't take it with both hands and hopefully I won't let it happen again.

"There's a lot of opportunities for me but it's just a matter of whether I can take them and handle them or not.

"It'd be awesome (to play for NSW), a great achievement and I've always wanted to wear that blue jersey and to play against Queensland.

"(Picked for NSW City) does give you the hint they are still looking at you. Hopefully if I play good footy over the next couple of weeks I will get a look in."

Hayne thought after his less than spectacular start to the season with the Eels he may have blown his representative chances this year.

That sentiment was probably shared by Souths winger Nathan Merritt who has since claimed racism cost him the wing spot for City.

But Hayne has vowed not to let anything distract him from further rep honours.

"I haven't been playing that well and I'll admit it myself," he said.

"I've been pretty disappointing, the start of the season and hopefully I can turn things around this Thursday.

"I think each game I'm getting better."

Due to Hayne's participation in the Tri Nations last year he had a delayed start to pre-season, but he says he has struggled to cope with his rapid rise to fame and that's partly why he hasn't lived up to expectations in 2007.

"Everything has been so rushed and so fast, I just want to be able to press stop and soak it all up but I can't," he said.

"One thing leads to another. I've just got to be a bit more mature about it and take it with both hands."

The NSW City team gathered in Coffs Harbour with Cronulla's Ben Pomeroy, Lance Thompson and Reece Williams joining the squad after playing Newcastle.

Sharks lock Paul Gallen was ruled out after aggravating his ankle injury, replaced by South Sydney captain Peter Cusack.

Melbourne winger Matt Geyer was called into the side as 18th man.