NRL: Hayne brilliant in big Eels win

Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne in action against the Cronulla Sharks. Photo / Getty Images

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur says without talisman Jarryd Hayne, the side's 32-12 win over Cronulla probably would have turned out differently, but that is no cause for concern.

The NSW fullback was at his brilliant best in the win at Remondis Stadium on Saturday, scoring two tries, setting up another two and was a constant thorn in the side of the Sharks' defensive line.

Cronulla battled their way back to within eight points with 10 minutes left on the clock and, when they found themselves attacking on the Eels' line, it was Hayne who came up with the decisive play.

He scooped up a loose ball and ran the length of the field to put the result beyond doubt and keep the Eels' top-eight hopes alive.

When asked if the Eels would have won without Hayne, Arthur bluntly said: "Probably not today. If you want me to be honest, probably not today. He's one person but, if the other boys aren't doing their jobs, he can't do what he did.

"Every team has someone with individual brilliance and, if the big boys aren't carting the ball forward and getting their metres, Jarryd wouldn't have the quick play-the-balls to play off the back of.

"That's his job - on the back of them to capitalise and create opportunities and win games of footy."

Arthur said while he was happy to get the two points, his side had plenty to work on.

He said their execution and ball control were poor and their inexperience showed at times during the contest.

Parramatta went into halftime with a 10-6 lead and took advantage of the Sharks' slow start after the break, posting two tries through Peni Terepou and debutant Bureta Faraimo.

Cronulla worked their way back into the match when rookie winger Valentine Holmes - who was outstanding in his first NRL match - made a break down the left edge and sent halfback Jeff Robson over.

While the Eels stamped out the fightback, Sharks captain Wade Graham said there was plenty to like about the way his players refused to give up.

"We dug our heels in a bit and forced our way back into the game," he said.

"We started slow in the second half. But when we scored that try out of our own half, it felt like we were coming to get them.

"And then we were attacking their tryline again, we came up with an error and Haynesy runs the length and tied a bow on it."

- AAP