NRL: Hayne admits pressure is on

Reigning Dally M medal winner Jarryd Hayne admits the pressure is building out Parramatta way as he and the Eels seek to build on their 2009 heroics.

Hayne's stunning finish to last year's NRL season propelled the Eels to an unlikely grand final berth, Parramatta's surge coming after they were at one stage quoted as 150-1 longshots to win the premiership after a dismal opening to the season.

But with the momentum of that dream run to the decider wiped out by an off-season of inactivity, NRL All Stars representative Hayne admits the Eels will be under pressure to pick up where they left off.

"I'm just trying to get back to (the level where I can) maintain my form - obviously it's going to be a tough task because we set the bar so high," Hayne said during a coaching clinic with NRL All Stars side in Sydney today.

"We're just really worried about our start and getting off on the right foot in 2010.

"When you start winning games you find ways to win - we haven't played in a while so we'll have to wait and see.

"I think everyone realises how much pressure's going to be on us at the start of the season."

With prodigal son Timana Tahu on board, the fight is on for berths in the Eels backline in 2010.

While Hayne is in no danger of losing his No.1 jumper, the likes of Krisnan Inu, Eric Grothe and Luke Burt could be battling for two wing spots over the upcoming trials.

But Hayne said the pressure wasn't confined to the star-studded backline.

"I think there's just pressure in general because we went so well last year.

"There's a lot of expectation on us - it's something we didn't have last year."

- AAP