Years of aerobic training in the NRL are what Wayne Bennett believes could be the key to Jarryd Hayne’s NFL dream becoming a reality.
The former Parramatta flyer is currently battling to make the San Francisco 49ers’ 53-player squad during pre-season training in the United States.
Bennett says he admires Hayne’s bravery in making the decision to chase a career in the NFL, saying if it goes well it could be a big plus for rugby league.
He also thinks the ex-NSW and Australia star has an athletic edge over his rivals, given the focus on stamina and fitness in NRL clubs.
“There’s nothing over there to intimidate him,” Bennett said.
“He’s been hit by some guys who can hit in our game and he’s a great runner of the football.
“The way they train to the way we train, he’d be a superstar in the training department.
“We do a lot of aerobic fitness work that they don’t do. There’s nothing that would challenge him there in that way.”
Bennett has also dismissed some concerns that Hayne won’t be able to handle the big hits of the NFL.
He says while tackling styles are different in the two codes, Hayne had proven his durability and resilience during his rugby league career.
“He’s only going to get one or two guys hitting him over there maximum, here you get three or four at some stages,” Bennett said.
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