Jarryd Hayne prancing around in the NFL is the best thing for Parramatta since Peter Sterling led the Eels to the 1986 premiership.
Hayne brought Parramatta Stadium to its feet well before Western Sydney Wanderers were even conceived.
Can any rugby league fan ever forget the heroics of 2009? The swerve and strength as he swatted defenders on his way to the try line. Agile, fast and strong, Hayne is the prototype contemporary rugby league player.
At 26 years of age he has notched up 20 State of Origin appearances, 13 internationals, been to 2 World Cups and won 1.
So how can his departure be a positive for the Eels? Let’s run through four reasons.
1. A real captain can step up
Since the turn of the millennium two hardened forwards in Nathan Cayless and Nathan Hindmarsh captained the proud club. Blue-collar players, both went on to represent their country.
Hayne has been co-captain of the Eels for two years and yes, he has definitely grown in the job. He is a world away from the youth dodging bullets in Kings Cross on the early hours of a Sunday.
But did this impressive young man possess the arsenal and experience to inspire his teammates? Hayne was passionate about the club, ask any referee in the league, but he lacked composure. He was simply the best of a bad lot.
Coach Brad Arthur now has an opportunity to recruit a battle-hardened leader who is willing to invest in the Parramatta values, and build the club around him.
2. Some props can be recruited
There is a lack of hardened, traditional front-row forwards at the club. The ‘retirement’ of Fuifui Moimoi has left a vacancy for a champion big bopper to take that first hit-up.
Darcy Lussick does not have the presence, and Tim Mannah is a world away from his next NSW guernsey.
The Sydney Morning Herald‘s Adrian Proszenko wrote on August 26, “Parramatta to clean out playing roster for second year in a row.”
No need now Arthur, you have money to burn! Hayne’s departure opens a beautiful opportunity for some timely roster management.
3. Hayne ruined the Eels attack
When the team was under pressure, who got the ball? The only man who posed any threat. Consequently, the Hayne play grew predictable and ineffective.
As much ability as Jarryd possesses, he did not have the ability to play fullback, halfback, centre and five-eighth all at the one time.
4. The talent waiting in the wings at Parramatta is outstanding
John Folau, the brother of Israel Folau, is hungry for a sniff on the big stage, and chances are he will play in the manner expected of his surname.
Parramatta is one of the largest, most exciting junior nurseries in the nation. The next Jarryd Hayne could be about to emerge.
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