Kearney and Eels hopeful on Hayne

Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney says he won’t be taking any risks on injured full back Jarryd Hayne, but is hopeful he will recover in time for tomorrow’s clash with Brisbane.

Hayne suffered a knee injury in the trial match against Penrith last month and had been expected to miss up to three weeks.

But Kearney said Hayne has returned to light training and still could feature in the match at Parramatta stadium.

“Jarryd’s completed a run up on the gym treadmill this morning, so again it’s a matter of how he pulls up after that,” Kearney said.

“He’s giving himself every opportunity and the medical staff are working really hard on him, so it’s a matter of how he pulls up this afternoon.”

Kearney said Luke Burt had prepared with the team at fullback during the week’s training sessions in anticipation Hayne would not be ready in time.

“We’ve prepared as if [Hayne] is not going to play… we won’t be taking any risks.”

Kearney said the Eels would assess Hayne’s knee this afternoon following this morning’s session.