Australians good enough to reach the NFL "will be pitted in head-to-head battles against compatriots for a spot on an increasing basis," according to Courtney Walsh of THE AUSTRALIAN. That is the view of leading Australian punting coach Nathan Chapman after Melburnian Jordan Berry "was signed as a punter by the Pittsburgh Steelers this week." Berry "will now vie for a spot with the Steelers’ incumbent punter, Brad Wing, also from Melbourne." Chapman, who advises Australian NFL hopefuls, believes that "the above scenario will happen on an increasing basis." Chapman: "I don’t think it will be the last time we see two Aussies on the same roster that will be fighting it out. That is the way it is there. It is the nature of the business." The signing of Berry "adds to the ranks of Australians given a chance in the NFL." Former NRL player Jarryd Hayne "has begun pre-season training with the San Francisco 49ers." South Sydney’s Tom Burgess "has also flagged an interest" in following Hayne to the U.S. Chapman said that Scott Harding, the brother-in-law of Karmichael Hunt, "would come under interest during the NFL draft that runs from April 30 to May 2." Harding "has enjoyed a successful college career with the University of Hawaii" and was described recently by a rival coach as a "Swiss Army knife" for his versatility. Chapman: "He is in the mix" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 4/16).
