MALIGNED superstar Jarryd Hayne returned to haunt his former Titans club, starring in the Eels’ 28-12 rout which plunged the Gold Coast into the wooden-spoon danger zone.

The former Origin ace gave the Gold Coast enough headaches during his turbulent 23-game stint and some Titans figures privately cheered when the Hayne Plane flew out of the glitter strip last November.

But Hayne subjected the Titans to a fresh migraine at ANZ Stadium, resembling the Dally M magician of old as two classy touches exposed a Titans side that was defensively brittle.

Facing the Titans for the first time since quitting the club, Hayne roamed with intent. He crossed on the left edge in the 28th minute before releasing Bevan French on the right two minutes later to leave Gold Coast floundering 22-8 at half-time.

Stung into action, the Titans dominated the second stanza, but blew a number of promising chances.

To rub salt into the wounds, Eels pivot Corey Norman - unwanted by the Titans as a recruit for next season - scored the 76th-minute solo try which buried the Coast..

“If we were a racehorse, there would be a stewards’ inquiry,” said Titans coach Garth Brennan, who just a week ago watched his side thump the Warriors 36-12.

“Parramatta just wanted it more.

“Until our guys realise the NRL is a tough game, we will have that inconsistency in our game.”

Eels coach Brad Arthur praised Hayne, saying: “Jarryd has been really solid for us in the past six games. He is getting better.”

Now the Titans are in a final-month fight to avoid the dreaded spoon, with the 12th-placed Coast just two wins ahead of the lowly Eels, last on percentages.

Until they address their poor defensive reads, the Titans will remain whipping boys.

Eels prop Tim Mannah’s opening try in the seventh-minute was soft and when the hosts posted three tries in nine minutes late in the first half, the Titans were in trouble at 22-8.

Titans winger Anthony Don was one shining light, crossing for double, with his 54th-minute intercept giving the Titans hope at 22-12.

But with 10 minutes to play, rookie five-eighth AJ Brimson inexplicably grassed a Mitch Rein pass with the line wide open. It summed up the Titans’ season.

Full-time PARRAMATTA 28 (B French J Hayne G Jennings T Mannah C Norman tries M Moses 4 goals) bt GOLD COAST 12 (A Don 2 P Sami tries) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Chris Sutton, Tim Roby. Crowd: 6,158.