The level of success of Jarryd Hayne's NFL pursuit "could have huge ramifications on rugby league," with the National Rugby League "now earmarked as a potential talent pool for American football," according to Michael Chammas of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Hayne's U.S. management team "is keeping a close eye on the 27-year-old's progress, identifying the NRL as a market to explore when trying to filter talent into the NFL."
Hayne is expected to announce a deal the Detroit Lions "by the end of the week." It is believed if Hayne is successful and makes a big impact in the U.S., his management, as well as other talent scouts, "could raid the NRL for its most promising young players." If Hayne makes the 53-man roster with the Lions, the minimum salary for his first season in the NFL will be $435,000, increasing to $525,000 in the second year and $615,000 in his third year. Regardless, it is "still expected to be well less than what he would have earned if he remained in the NRL playing for Parramatta." But Hayne is not concerned about the dollars "in his pursuit to live out his childhood dream." Hayne:
"It's a ruthless business, NFL, and they chop and change pretty much whenever they want" (SMH, 2/24).
