Parramatta NRL coach Stephen Kearney is adamant superstar Jarryd Hayne will remain at fullback for the struggling Eels after his brief flirtation with five-eighth.
Hayne lined up at five-eighth for City against Country in Mudgee last Sunday, with NSW Origin coach Ricky Stuart among the spectators interested in the Parramatta star's playmaking capabilities.
Country pivot Todd Carney is the reported frontrunner for the Blues No.6 shirt, with Hayne still in contention for an outside back spot.
The gifted and versatile Eels' back was listed at fullback for Sunday's clash with the Tigers at Parramatta Stadium.
While Hayne has played at five-eighth for Parramatta in past seasons, Kearney was adamant his main backline strike weapon will continue to occupy the No.1 jersey for the Eels.
"He (Hayne) is a fullback with us, so that's all we need to focus on," Kearney told reporters on Thursday.
"That's all were we're concerned about is that his best position with the Parramatta club is at fullback."
Veteran winger Luke Burt has been restored to the wing, with Cheyse Blair shifted from there to centre to cover for the injured Esi Tonga.
"Esi Tonga is out injured and it looks like it will be for a few weeks," Kearney said.
"He (Burt) has been playing well at Wentworthville, so it was an opportunity to get him back in there."
Out-of-form halfback Chris Sandow, who has been battling with a shoulder strain, was also named in the team, though Kearney didn't guarantee he would line up against the Tigers.
"We ran through some stuff yesterday, so it's a matter of how he pulls up," Kearney said of Sandow.
"He came off injured against the Sharks so we'll just see how he goes."
