0
Eddie Jones says Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne is 'worth $1m in rugby'
By Brent Read and Stuart Honeysett
August 25, 2009
Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has predicted Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne could command more than $1 million a season in European rugby union.
Jones's comments came amid speculation on Monday night that Hayne was about to be the subject of a massive offer from the Australian Rugby Union.
A Sydney radio station reported that the ARU would offer Hayne a multi-million-dollar contract to switch to rugby.
Hayne, off contract at the end of next season, has suspended talks with Parramatta until the end of the season. However, the Eels have already approached the NRL for guidance as they look to fend off any interest from rugby.
While there is a sense Australian rugby has become hesitant over the recruitment of rugby league players following the well-documented problems with Wendell Sailor and more recently Lote Tuqiri, Hayne would be an ideal fit for any of the domestic Super 14 teams.
He also shapes as an attractive option for European rugby - former league internationals Sonny Bill Williams and Craig Gower have become stars in France - given he could travel on a Fijian passport, which would allow him to be a 'local' there.
Although he has seen little of Hayne this year, Jones suggested he could see the Eels fullback becoming a superstar in the 15-man game.
"He's an outstanding player," Jones said. "He can score a try. One of his big advantages is he is quite a big guy and he's got pace. In rugby you need to have big wingers so you can carry the ball through contact.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...018866,00.html