Get behind Eels, Rees urges NSW fans

(AAP) - NSW Premier Nathan Rees has urged his state to get behind the Parramatta Eels in next week's NRL grand final, and he hasn't ruled out taking steps to ensure star Jarryd Hayne plays in the decider.
The Eels booked a place in next Sunday's grand final with their 22-12 win over the Bulldogs on Friday.

They will take on either Brisbane or Melbourne, who play each other on Saturday
night for the other spot in the grand final.
Mr Rees admitted being a bit hoarse after Friday night's game at ANZ Stadium, where
almost 75,000 diehard fans screamed their hearts out for the two Sydney clubs.
With Parramatta the only NSW club left in the competition, Mr Rees, a proud Sydney
"westie", urged everyone in the state to jump on the Eels bandwagon.
"We'll be up against an interstate rival regardless, and I call on everyone in NSW
to get behind the mighty Parramatta Eels," Mr Rees told reporters in western Sydney
on Saturday.
"Last year I exhorted people to back Manly against an interstate rival. This year
... I would hope that all people in NSW would back the mighty Eels."
The premier was asked by one reporter if he could influence the NRL judiciary to
decide the future of Eels star Jarryd Hayne.
Hayne's place in the grand final is in doubt after he was placed on report for
kneeing Bulldogs winger Bryson Goodwin.
"I didn't think there was any malice in the action at all, and I'd be very hopeful
that the judiciary would see it the same way," Mr Rees said.
Would he consider legislation to make sure the Parramatta full-back played?
"Let's get their finding first," Mr Rees joked.