JARRYD Hayne’s immediate retirement from rugby league to pursue a career in American football sent the sporting world into a frenzy yesterday, and sparked mixed media responses nation-wide.
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Many suggested the decision was ill-informed, or just plain wrong for the 26-year-old to have made while still in his rugby league prime.
However Orange’s Daniel Mortimer was unequivocally supportive of his former Parramatta teammate, saying he expects Hayne to take to American football like a duck to water.
“If anyone in rugby league is ever going to succeed in the NFL, it’s Haynsey,” Mortimer, now playing with Gold Coast Titans, said yesterday.
“I read it this morning just like everyone else, I don’t think anyone was expecting it. He’s always been a massive fan of the game, and it’s no secret he’s said before he’d love to have a crack, so why not do it when he’s still young, fit and strong.
“He’s done everything in rugby league, so why not have a crack.”
It was rumoured Hayne would head to America, locked into a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, however, he will in fact be a free agent.
With NFL rosters closed for the 2014 season, the question remains as to whether Hayne will be able to find a spot on a franchise’s train-on team.
“I think he can, and I think he will be a success,” Mortimer said.
“He’s a freak really at everything. His power, speed and strength is unbelievable. I definitely think he can transfer it over into NFL.
“You look at American football players, there isn’t much endurance in the sport. It’s all power, and strength really. We all know what he can do in rugby league but once he’s training specifically for NFL who knows what he’s capable of.”
Current and former sporting stars across the country also came out in support of Hayne over Twitter, with ex-Australian netball captain Liz Ellis, Newcastle prop Willie mason and former AFL star, Geelong Cat turned New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions punter Ben Graham joined in the chorus of support, among countless others.
“Wow jarrydhayne_1 off to try his hand at NFL! Good luck to him - I love it when athletes take risks like this. Hope it’s a good story,” Ellis tweeted.
“Fully supportive of the jarrydhayne_1 move to pursue the NFL. Tough road ahead, good luck mate,” Graham said via the social network.
“Takes some balls to do what @jarrydhayne_1 is doing so much respect for him, of course there’s gonna b haters but...who cares do what u want,” Mason tweeted.
Hayne has also pulled out of Australia’s Four Nations campaign, and the conditional release Parramatta has granted includes a lifetime contract clause, meaning if he returns to league, it can only be with the Eels.
“I saw a bit of his presser, and he spoke about taking opportunities. He’s following a dream and good on him,” Mortimer said.
