Gold Coast Titans fans are starting to view Jarryd Hayne as their team’s new saviour, but the code-hopping star may have gone too far when describing how he copes with media criticism.

The former Australia and New South Wales utility back said he had been upset by recent articles that criticised his decision not to honour a promise to return to Parramatta, instead signing with the Titans when he resurrected his NRL career.

Hayne’s answer: Jesus also had to put up with criticism.

“When you read the Bible and realise everyone hated Jesus, you’ve got to put that in perspective as well and realise how much he stood up and was still him,” he said.

“He could have easily lost the plot and lost his sh*t, but he kept it together.”

Hayne has been the subject of intense media interest since making a dramatic, if disappointing, move to the NFL in the US two years ago.  

Jesus could have easily “lost the plot and lost his sh*t, but he kept it together”. Photo: Getty

He also made an unsuccessful attempt to head to the Rio Olympics with eventual Rugby Sevens gold-medal winner Fiji.

“For [Jesus] to make the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, you’ve got to pull your head in when you’re worrying about a piece of paper or an article. Little things like that get me on focus.”

“When you read the Bible and realise everyone hated Jesus, you’ve got to put that in perspective as well,”
Jarryd Hayne

Now back in Australia to once again ply his trade as a rugby league player, Hayne said he’s saddened by what he believes are falsified stories reported by certain sections of the media.

“Today’s media is not about facts or truths anymore,” he said.

“It’s more leaning towards a story or how much they can really blow something up. It’s disappointing and it’s sad but it is what it is. As athletes, we do as much talking as we can on the field.”

Hayne said his American sojourn with the San Francisco 49ers had taught him a lot about athletes using “haters” to drive them to success, a strategy he’d rather avoid.  

Hayne’s bold move to the NFL ultimately fell short. Photo: Getty

“I read the Bible a lot and I read a lot of history and stuff like that. In America, it’s a huge thing to let the haters motivate you. I don’t want that,” he said.

“I want to be motivated because I have an ability and I want to see that come to the fullest.”

Hayne, who was knocked out during last week’s win against the Newcastle Knights, will start at fullback in Saturday’s match against the Penrith Panthers for the first time in the position since returning to the NRL three weeks ago.

“Playing at full-back, it’s a different kind of fitness,” he said.

“A bit more speed involved, but then there’s not as much consistent running as well, at five-eighth. But it’s a challenge in itself and something I’m looking forward to.”