By now I’m sure you have all heard the massive news this morning that NRL superstar, and current Dally M medalist Jarryd Hayne has announced he is headed to the USA to try his hand in the NFL.
Citing the fact that he felt he had “done it all” in the NRL, one of the game’s genuine stars will now exit the game to chase the riches on offer in the biggest footballing league in the world.
Hayne, who is still in his prime, has allowed himself the best possible opportunity to adapt to the American brand of football.
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An emotional Hayne fronted media this morning to admit this is a move he wanted to make a year ago but “lacked the courage” to pull the trigger.
For Hayne, this is a massive gamble as he leaves a sport as arguably one of the top five players in the world to enter a sport where he has not been guaranteed a contract.
Jarryd Hayne is the sort of supreme athlete that could succeed at any sport. If he was given the time to adapt I have no doubt at all he can be a success in the NFL, however he will face ridiculous competition.
The depth of talent in the American version of football has no comparison in Australia. The college system means the NFL teams have an amazing supply of talent from all areas of the country, not to mention the growing number of international competitions being set up.
Hayne, who had just signed a big contract with the Eels has the potential to earn 10 times the value of his Eels’ contract while in the States, but American franchises are not in the business of throwing multi-million dollar contracts at novices.
Even if Hayne should fail in his dream of achieving a NFL contract, he could come back to the NRL in three years and still earn incredible money. His pure marketing appeal makes him an attractive option to a wide variety of sponsors.
Simply put, this is a calculated gamble for Hayne, with a huge upside.
Where does the move leave Parramatta?
I have spoken quickly to fans of the Eels and make no mistake, they are shattered. Although they wish their freakish number one all the best, the fact remains, they’re losing their best player.
The Eels, who had built their future around the two-time Dally M medallist, are now left without their highest paid star, their best player on-field, and most high profile player off-field.
The NSW Blues, who finally ended Queensland’s dominance on the back of two incredible efforts from Hayne, have lost arguably their biggest asset also.
Even the depleted Kangaroos side for the upcoming Four Nations squad have lost an important attacking weapon and will have to rely on debutants.
Hayne’s move has sent shock waves through the NRL community. As good as Hayne is, as freakishly talented as he is, as marketable as he is, the decision won’t even make ripples in the States.
Hayne, who admits the challenge of the NRL is not where he needs it to be, leaves the game having done it all… except achieving that elusive premiership.
If the challenge of being the game’s highest paid player and leading an up-and-coming side to premiership glory is not enough to drive him to continue playing NRL, then perhaps the move is best for all parties.
Best of luck Jarryd.
Gary John Lorenz
Guest
I wish Jarryd Hayne all the best in his endeavors in his new dream to play the (NFL) (National Football League). I was looking at Australians in American Football on Wikipedia & there's a number of Former/Ex (AFL) Australian Football League Players are playing the (NFL) in Gridiron American Football are (1) Saverio Rocca of both North Melbourne Kangaroos & Collingwood (Maggies) Magpies in (AFL) (2) Anthony Rocca the brother of Saverio of both Sydney Swans (Swannies) & Collingwood (Maggies) Magpies in (AFL) (3) Ben Graham of Geelong Cats in (AFL) (4) Darren Bennett of West Coast Eagles in the (AFL) (5) Nathan Chapman who played for Brisbane Bears & Brisbane Lions & Hawthorn Hawks (6) Chris Bryan played for Carlton Blues & Collingwood Magpies in the (AFL) (1) Former/Ex Australian Rugby Union Player who is playing the (NFL) Gridiron American Football is Colin Scotts who played for The Scots College in Sydney in Rugby Union in the 1980s. Also check out List of players who have converted from one football code to another by Wikipedia as well too of every football code of the world. If both Rugby Union & (AFL) Player can make it the (NFL) National Football League then I don't see why not & also don't have a problem with (NRL) National Ruby League Player/s can make into (NFL) National Football League as well too. Jarryd Hayne from Parramatta Eels of the (NRL) can be as good as both Saverio & Anthony Rocca Brothers, Darren Bennett, Chris Bryan & Ben Graham & Colin Scotts. If these Australians can make it very big in the (NFL) then Jarryd Hayne can make it too. Good on you Jarryd to follow your dreams to become another Aussie playing the Gridiron Football. I think he would be the very first (NRL) National Rugby League Player to play the (NFL) Competition. Very Good Luck Jarryd in your new (NFL) Career.
Georgina Brown
Guest
He is good enough easily.......but I dont know if the money will compensate for the very slow game and very little game time players get ......I think he might get very bored and disillustion after the hype and razzle dazzle of their game and the new country culture wears off.......unless he meets a partner or some other incentive outside of football he will become very homesick in a year or two....best of luck Jarrad
Mark Ferguson
Roar Rookie
This is better for Parramatta as they can longer be the one man team and will have to work as a team to succeed. On Haynes chances well... Lol. It's a very different game than what he's used to and his body shape and speed is all wrong as well as his age to top it off.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Perspective then early 2000 Tuqiri,Sailor & Rogers left the code.Gasnier later.2005 record year for crowds . $1.2bn Tv deal,48m profit 2013,similar expected 2014.4 out of the top 5 Tv ratings in major events.More playing the game then ever before.More females playing.A tie up with Touch football,I expect expansion decision in the not too distant future. I suggest the code is in its rudest health since SL.Prior to 2013 the code was making little or no profit since 1998. Players come and go either the odd few to other codes or retirement. The only negative Tv ratings down this year :scheduling Crowds marginally :scheduling What soccer player movements ,in a game played in the summer has to do with these movements ,is beyond me.
Boban
Guest
Hmm... let's put this in perspective. Leaving Australia: Sam Burgess, Ben Te'o, Jarryd Hayne Moved to Australia: David Villa, Robert Koren, Damien Duff, Marc Janko And they tell me Rugby League is in it's rudest health since the Super League war.
Simoc
Guest
I think the competition is fierce in a game unrelated to league. I'de back Israel Folau to succeed but Hayne only 50/50. I can't see a position he is suited to where he would be better than what is available.
berthe
Guest
The best payed running back in the NFL is payed 11.3 million USD (AUD 12.99 million) and this would be the position for Haynes however he has terrific kick and could become a punter where the best payed is about USD 4 million. Hayne will never aspire to the highest paid position of quarter back as he is a novice but he has the body to be a running back who cops most of the violence from the defences..
berthe
Guest
The best payed running back in the NFL is payed 11.3 million USD (AUD 12.99 million) and this would be the position for Haynes however he has terrific kick and could become a punter where the best payed is about USD 4 million. Hayne will never aspire to the highest paid position of quarter back as he is a novice but he has the body to be a running back who cops most of the violence from the defences..
berthe
Guest
At 220 lbs Hayne will be about the average weight in the NFL and there will be many players that are a lot faster than him in the NFL added to this he is a novice at Gridiron and it will be difficult to star in a game he is not familiar with. His is a bold brave throw of the dice which if successful will cover him with glory and wealth but there is an old adage that says "he who dares wins". Best of luck Jarrad; we will miss your running and talent and we hope you are successful; the force be with you.
Cugel
Roar Rookie
Must have put off his April Fool's joke till the off season. Hint: It doesn't work in October.
Francis
Guest
Matt Moylan should be picked now at fullback.
Fairy fairfax
Roar Rookie
Yes, good on you J.H. Get in while the gettin's good.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Showed some Americans his YouTube footage and theyre pretty excited about him and reckon he can make it
pat malone
Guest
its a real longshot but good on him for backing himself