Ellis plans to rein in Hayne - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Ellis plans to rein in Hayne

By Ian McCullough 23/03/2010 06:34:57 PM Comments (0)

After sweltering conditions left him feeling like a "space cadet" against the Roosters last Sunday, West Tigers backrower Gareth Ellis has set his sights on Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne.

The England Test international was one of several players from both sides who struggled to cope with the searing temperatures at the Sydney Football Stadium, which saw the mercury nudge 35 degrees pitchside.

Ellis, who was rated doubtful for Friday night's clash with Parramatta after limping off with a calf injury against the Roosters, has declared himself fit to face the Eels in what will be a far cooler SFS.

"I had a bit of a cork in my calf and it was a bit sore after the game, but it is coming along and I will be right for Friday," Ellis said.

"It was pretty tough, I am not sure how the other guys felt, but I was a bit of a space cadet out there.

"I really struggled in the heat and it is the first time I have in the two years I have been out here and when you are on the back foot and losing it makes things ten times worse."

The Tigers have not made the top eight since their grand final success in 2005 and Ellis has warned his side must not leave themselves too much to do at the back end of the season.

"That poor start let us down last year and we don't want to repeat it," he said.

"I am only in my second year now but something the Tigers have been guilty of in the past is slipping up in one or two games here and there and a lack of consistency has stopped them getting in the playoffs."

Parramatta, like the Tigers in round one, reeled in a big Manly lead to win on Sunday, with Hayne once again the Eels' talisman.

After producing one of the tries of the season in the pulsating clash against the Tigers last season, Hayne will once again be the focal point of the Eels' attack.

"Stopping Jarryd Hayne will go a long way to stopping the Eels, we have to limit his chances but because of the quality player he is he will find ways of getting involved," Ellis said.

"But they have a lot of other good players we have to keep an eye on, as do we, but if we play as well as we can over 80 minutes instead of just 15-20 minute spells, then we can beat them."

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