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It might be that I am a loyal Eels supporter, with plenty of time for Jarryd Hayne’s football talent, but I can’t help but sense a serious double standard in the behaviour of media and fans contributing to news about player discontent over salaries.
From what I can see Hayne has been pilloried and vilified by experts and punters for daring to suggest that the game should look after its key asset, its players, and allow them a bigger share in the game’s riches.
I happen to agree with him, and believe strongly in the rights of players to collectively bargain and take strike action if need be. But that is not my main point here.
My issue is that we seem to be hearing exactly the same thing from great upstanding citizens of the game Darren Lockyer, Petero Civonceva, and Cameron Smith (to name a few) without the criticism levelled at those players, let alone the sort of personal vitriol being aimed at Hayne.
Are we just seeing another example of that great Aussie tradition: a case of tall poppy syndrome, designed to cut down a youngster who wears his passion on his sleeve, and has already great things in the game at such a young age?
Or is it just his bright yellow boots rubbing people up the wrong way?
People are entitled to agree or disagree with Hayne’s thoughts on player salaries, but it irks me that his comments are not treated with a similar level of respect as some of the senior statesmen in the game.
To me it reeks of jealousy from fans and media a little sick of seeing highlights of Hayne’s wonderful on-field efforts. I’d be very happy to hear some intelligent opinions to the contrary
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