NRL. Round 1. Parramatta Eels vs New Zealnd Warriors. Parramatta Stadium.Jarryd Hayne going in to scoreSaturday 9th March, 2013Photos: Anthony Johnson
WHAT a difference 12 months makes!
In the corresponding fixture with the New Zealand Warriors last year Jarryd Hayne left the field on a stretcher with a knee injury that hampered all his 2012 season.
Fast-forward 12 months — almost to the exact date — and Hayne soared off the field in the Hayne plane on the back of a scintillating hat-trick that propelled the Eels to a 40-10 win against the New Zealand Warriors.
"To get a big win in front of the home crowd is pleasing," Hayne said.
"Everything we did on the training paddock paid off for us on the weekend and to play like we did was good, but there is still definitely areas we can improve on."
Hayne, along with co-captain Reni Maitua and club captain Tim Hannah were three of the Eels' best at the weekend.
But it was Chris Sandow who stole the show with a sublime performance in the No.7 jumper having a hand in five of the seven tries.
The Eels have to contend with a short turnaround this week when they play the Canterbury Bulldogs tonight at ANZ Stadium. Hayne said the team were eager to register back-to-back wins after struggling in the last two years.
"When you play the Bulldogs it is always a big game, no matter who either team have on the field," he said.