Rugby League MVP shocks the sport by leaving in his prime for NFL

Rugby players have tried to make the switch to the NFL with middling results. Australian fullback Jarryd Hayne is the first with the chops to make it happen. He shocked the sport overnight by asking for his release from the Parramatta Eels so he can move to the USA and pursue his dream of playing in the NFL.

Hayne’s list of exploits is long. He was the 2014 fullback of the year, the NRL’s leading try scorer and winner of the coveted Dally M medal for player of the year. He could have stayed with the Eels, demanded more money and safely carved out an amazing career well into his 30s. Now he’s taking a risky step.

Hayne’s decision came with the realization that at 26, his window might be closing.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL, and at my age, this is my one and only chance at having a crack at playing there.”

The position of fullback in Rugby League is a close equivalent to a kick or punt returner in the NFL. Unlike Team USA player Carlin Isles, who is attempting to make the leap, Hayne has prototypical NFL size at 6’2, 220 pounds. This could open the door for him to play multiple positions with the right coaching. It’s likely he would start on special teams, but his size and speed lend themselves to running back, wide receiver or tight end.

Many fans are rallying behind Hayne, but the sport of Rugby League is reeling at the shock departure. Australian national team coach Tim Sheens learned he’d be without his best player ahead of the Four Nations tournament.

“You’re kidding me. That’s news to me. I’m shocked he didn’t say anything.”

The hardest part for Hayne will be getting his foot in the door and convincing an NFL team to roll the dice. He’s already won over one NFL player, Reggie Bush. The Lions running back traveled to Australia in the offseason and took notice of Hayne’s ability. Bush was asked how he thought the Australian would fare in the NFL.

“I think he’d do pretty well actually,” he said. “Because he’s quick, he’s elusive, he’s powerful, he’s fast, he has great vision and those are all the things you need to play running back in the NFL.”

Hayne now makes the trip halfway across the world to try to find a place on an NFL team. Rugby players have tried before, with only punters succeeding to remain in the league for multiple years. Can he be the first? Will this open up the gates for more international scouting? It’s all on Hayne’s shoulders now. The best player in Rugby League has the biggest chance to make it and will be the bellwether for future attempts.

It’s unclear whether any NFL teams have interest, but Hayne spent time with the Seattle Seahawks during his last trip to the USA.