League: 'Overweight' Jarryd Hayne under fire for training attitude

Jarryd Hayne of the Titans. Photo / Getty

Jarryd Hayne's attitude continues to come under scrutiny, with reports he was temporarily stood down from Gold Coast's NRL leadership group after clashes with team-mates.

The star fullback argued with team-mates about several commitment issues, including him being overweight, according to News Corp Australia.

He has reportedly been placed on a weight-loss programme. It comes after claims Hayne, the Titans' prized recruit of last year, was fined for missing a pre-season training session.

According to News Corp, Hayne was unhappy about being targeted by the playing group with fines. It is believed the clashes led to him being forced to relinquish his duties as a senior club figure, before being re-instated to the leadership group.

Responding to questions, Titans chief executive Graham Annesley and Hayne's agent Wayne Beavis told News Corp the former NSW Origin star was the target of excessive scrutiny by the media.

Gold Coast coach Neil Henry refused to comment yesterday on claims he was fined for missing training, describing the story as "old news".

Hayne tweeted "Loose lips sinks ships!" on Sunday night, after reports emerged the 29-year-old was fined by team-mates over the summer, because of his poor training habits.

Attempting to clarify the situation, Hayne said he had permission from one of the team's captains to skip a session and fly to Sydney for treatment on an injury, but was fined when Henry found out.

In January, Henry admitted Hayne had turned up to the start of pre-season training overweight, citing the excess bulk acquired from NFL conditioning.

"He's come back a bit heavy and we're working on that," Henry told Sky Sports Radio on January 10.

The latest drama comes, after Hayne was praised by team-mates in the pre-season, with forward Ryan James describing him as more mature.

Hayne, who scored a try in the Titans' comprehensive defeat by Sydney Roosters in their NRL season opener, has been dogged by controversy since his shock signing after returning from a stint in the NFL.

Last September, he was filmed partying with a Gold Coast biker gang and handing over a wad of cash to one of the members.

He recently upset club powerbrokers by publicly stating he wanted to play rugby in France, when his two-year contract expires.