UPDATED: JARRYD Hayne wants the Parramatta captaincy long-term - admitting the chance to lead an Eels club "overflowing with potential'' was instrumental in him re-signing until the end of 2015.

Speaking with News Limited tonight, Hayne hit back at the controversy surrounding his first three weeks as co-captain - particularly his ongoing verbal stoush with referees in a frustrating loss to Wests Tigers last Friday night.

The superstar fullback, whose contract now runs the same length as coach Ricky Stuart, was heavily criticised in commentary by both Brad Fittler and Phil Gould, with the later suggesting he even be entered into leadership courses.

Yet an upbeat Hayne revealed that, despite a brief moment after the game where he considered resigning from the role, he now wants to etch his name alongside the likes of Hindmarsh, Ray Price, Steve Edge and Nathan Cayless.

"Against the Tigers I had a tough night, was far too emotional,'' Hayne said.

"There were times when a decision went against us and I'd think `geez, you've gotta be kidding'; I wasn't focused in the right areas.

"And immediately after the game, yeah, I did question whether I was up to it. Asked myself if I should give it away. But it only took me a few minutes to cool down and realise that this leadership role, it's what I want.''

So what convinced him to push on?

"Knowing I'll get better,'' Hayne continued.

"I know Gus Gould and a few others have been critical of me as captain. But after cooling down I realised that, while I wasn't perfect, it was one of my first games in the role so I'm not supposed to be.

"No one enters into something for the first time and is outstanding straight away. Well, maybe they do but I'm certainly not.

"I also had a good chat afterwards with Sticky who reminded me that, as a captain, he'd had similar problems early on. He told me how there was a day where he'd had a real stoush with one particular referee too, but despite how he went on it never changed the result.''

Announced as Eels co-captain alongside backrower Reni Maitua and prop Tim Mannah in the off-season, Hayne has now played 143 matches for Parramatta - the club for which he debuted in 2006 aged 18.

Outstanding in the season opener against the Warriors, Hayne also opened up on his poor showing against the Bulldogs the following week, saying: "Against Canterbury I was flat. I didn't play well and I didn't feel well."

"As soon as I came off, I was really upset with my performance. But it's a matter of getting yourself back up again. Footy wise, I was happy with my effort against the Tigers. The captaincy was the issue that night and I know that, the more I do it, the better I'll get.''

