Eels prepare upgrade for Hayne

PARRAMATTA is set to reward Jarryd Hayne for an outstanding State of Origin series by handing the New South Wales wing a lucrative contract extension.

Hayne, who began the Origin series as a rookie and finished it as one of the game's elite players, is signed until the end of next year.

But Eels are keen to secure his services for as long as possible, and preliminary talks between the club and Hayne's manager, Wayne Beavis, are understood to have started.

The Eels are optimistic something can be finalised in the next fortnight.

Despite playing in a losing series, Hayne's worth sky-rocketed over Origin. He enjoyed mixed fortunes in Origin I, scoring a wonder try on the stroke of half-time before conceding another with an errant pass.

However, he showed his class by bouncing back with assured outings in games two and three.
Beavis spoke to Hayne, 19, yesterday, but he said they were yet to discuss the prospect of extending the player's contract with Parramatta.

"He's a special kid and a special talent," Beavis said.

Beavis also refused to rule out taking Hayne to the open market, but he stressed the wing was happy at Parramatta.

Hayne would be one of the most coveted players in the game if he were shopped around the NRL.

"That may be something we would consider," Beavis said.

"We respect Parramatta's position. If we get an approach we will certainly sit down and have a chat to them."