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.
Manlyman
Guest
Maybe by signing Hayne for life and talk of a marquee allowance for hayne from David Smith they may not need to save money for his return.
james
Guest
Cracking article Daniel
fazed
Guest
As I said if Watmough does arrive next year, along with the signings already, I don't believe there is a need to chase others. The sad aspect is that Seffa Paulo has never really reached the next level in development, again I would like to see more of the younger brigade brought into the next level, in order to keep them at the club. Include the following backs with the forwards you mention & its not a bad team 1 Hoppa. 2;/5 Semi, Robinson, Toutai 3/4 Champion, J Folau/ Morgan 6 Norman 7 Sandow.
Parrafan
Guest
Two good signings that 'should' be coming up in Danny Wicks and Choc Watmough. Would be good! Add those two blokes to the pack and you have: 8 Mannah 9 Peats 10 Junior Paulo/Wicks 11 Kenny Edwards 12 Manu Ma'u/Tepai Moeroa 13 Watmough Throw in David Gower and Peni Terepo, Pauli Pauli and Darcy Lussick and it has the makings of a competitive forward pack. Also good news that Seffa Paulo is looking less likely to re-sign with the club with each passing day.
Ken
Guest
Where are they going to find a great new forward pack at the end of October though?
fazed
Guest
I don't disagree with the general thrust in the article, but I also do not believe the club needs to chase too many more players with the spare cash, especially as there are capable juniors coming through, some no longer able to stay in the 20's comp, rather its time to look more into that nursery to plug any holes & keep them at the club. The sorrow also is that while Tim Mannah is an honest player, he is one that has not gone on to reach his full potential, team & club man definately but he has to rise more. Fui sadly over the last couple of years had lost his impact, especially as he lost the weight & strength of 3 or so years ago. Shoule Watmough be at the club next year, he should add the starch in the forwards as the other 1st yearers develop their reputations & that has to be with size & power. There is absolutely no sense of spending all the money they save from Jarryd's departure to plug a hole that may be temporary, or worse still go on players contracts that are of no value & then have to continue paying them when released by the club, surelly there has been enough of that in the past with a lot of money taken up in the cap by players in other teams.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Hayne ruined their attack? Talk about trying to look on the bright side! Treating the freed up cap as 'money to burn' would be the worst thing parra could do. Surely they're keeping some cash in reserve for if he comes back in the next 6-18 months. Questions need to be asked if they sign a bunch of players and then get Hayne when he comes back.
Parrafan
Guest
I only have one issue and that is point three. I think Hayne played all those rules effectively, and his try tally, try assits, line breaks etc are evidence to that. But the other points I agree with. Wouldn't mind a hard prop in the Sam Moa mould. Sandow and Norman will have to stand up even more this coming year. I wouldn't mind seeing Gower take over as captain next year, and mould Peats into the eventual captain. On point four, have a look at two blokes in the Eels juniors, Fabian Goodall and Nathan Davis, very good centre/fullback options for the future. And the young halves Zack Docker Clay and Ryan Matterson, who both played in the junior Kiwis and Junior Kangaroos respectively are both very exciting prospects as well.
Muzz
Guest
A number of clubs are desperate for some big mobile boppers at the moment but there aren't too many available.It will be interesting to see how Haynes cap quota is utilised and what happens if he returns back home in-time for next season.