RWU HQ – Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne’s journey to become a football player in the National Football League has certainly been a bumpy one.
First, it seemed like it was a sure thing that Hayne would be signing with the Detroit Lions, but then he had a problem with his work visa. After the former rugger got his work visa straightened out, it again seemed like a lock that a NFL franchise would have a spot for him. With the Lions having a couple futures contracts available that still seemed like the logical location.
However, the Lions announced recently that they have signed 11 players to reserve or futures contracts, and Hayne was not one of them. With the Hayne’s most likely destination seeming to be moving in a different direction, the former Parramatta Eel is left in an unfavorable position.
Hayne’s best bet might be to return to Australia and train. The NFL announced earlier this week that they will be holding a veteran free agent combine on March 22 at the Arizona Cardinals’ training facility. Considering the former rugby star is currently a free agent and this combine is offering what he needs – “position-specific drills, timing and testing, and other customary combine activities” – it would be the perfect opportunity for Hayne to display his skills.
“There’s a void there. There was nothing for that guy out there who has one or two or three years in the league and is not with a team and is at the mercy of when the phone rings or when his agent gets him a workout,” NFL director of football development Matt Birk told The Associated Press earlier this week “This will be a forum for these guys to showcase their talents and a service for our clubs instead of (what had been) an inefficient process.”
It’ll be interesting to see if Hayne takes advantage of this opportunity.
Only time will tell.
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