As the news of Jarryd Hayne’s exit to the NFL does the rounds and every person in the game passes their opinion, I feel a great opportunity for the code is being overlooked.
Sure the game of rugby league is being pillaged, with a number of other professional sports offering our stars greater contracts and opportunities, but in this new example I see a positive outcome.
If he is successful in crossing over into the NFL our sport will receive exposure to a massive sporting public in the States.
With the withdrawal of the AMNRL and the USARL the sole governing body the USA rugby league scene needs a major publicity boost.
Following on from the success of the Tomahawks at the World Cup, creating a link from rugby league to NFL could ignite interest from many parties in the USA.
Firstly, the level of involvement from NFL fans is huge and the media coverage a non-punting Aussie NFL star could create would see many people seek out rugby league.
Secondly, while many thousands of athletes push themselves relentlessly to make the cut in the NFL, most never make it. So to connect just a few of these athletes to rugby league would greatly improve the player quality in the US. If NFL clubs see the desirable assets league players acquire the clubs might just start recruiting directly from league, leading more and more athletes in the code in the USA.
Thirdly, corporate exposure. If either of the first two points can occur, the game would be in a great position to capitalise on the massive market that exists. The game could consequently generate more funding, leading to greater growth.
Many people will have objections and feel the whole scenario is very ‘what if’, but the code is missing strategies outside of the strong holds.
Would Sam Burgess, Sonny Bill Williams, Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and others leave our game if we could offer them a greater experiences outside of Australia and Northern England?
Imagine a professional league in the land of opportunity, a world club challenge involving competitive clubs from USA, as well as playing in front of the massive crowds American sport can generate. Perhaps even a burst of life into the international scene.
This would be an opportunity no other sport could emulate.
Congratulations to Jarryd in his decision to chase this dream. I hope he goes far and rugby league can jump in his pocket and share in his success.
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