Jarryd Hayne says he would return to Parramatta — but not until he’s finished his own journey
JARRYD Hayne may have played his last game in the NRL, revealing: “I realise now with my skill set ... it gives me a lot of options”.
Speaking with The Daily Telegraph from Fiji, where his push to become an Olympian continues, Hayne hinted at a switch to rugby union from 2017 — in either France or Japan.
While Parramatta remains his “first choice” for any rugby league return, the 28-year-old globetrotter revealed his spiritual world tour could also be set to continue.
sked if he could even contemplate an NRL return given his experiences over the past two years, the former San Francisco 49er replied: “Um, I definitely like being able to travel, seeing the world.
“And I realise now with my skill set, it enables me to do that. Gives me a lot of options. That’s the biggest thing for me now.”
So as for where in the world he might go next?
“I like my red wine, so maybe the south of France,’’ Hayne said. “But I also like sushi, so it could be Japan.”
Of course, an extended stay in either of those countries would involve Hayne switching from league to union — a suggestion that will also have those at Wallabies HQ salivating.
But for now, the Minto product remains focused solely on rugby sevens.
Despite being no guarantee to make the Fijian squad for the Rio Olympics, Hayne fronted a press conference in Nadi where he was unveiled as the global ambassador for Fiji Airways.
Appropriately, the airline made the announcement shortly before its debut flight to San Francisco.
Opening up on his sudden departure from the 49ers, Hayne refuted claims he had been tapped on the shoulder by new coach Chip Kelly.
In fact, the rookie running back insisted he had been “excited” by Kelly’s playbook, but recognised his transition to NFL regular would simply have taken too long.
“I was going to need another two or three years to really flow with that game,’’ Hayne said.
“But the reason I’m now here is what took me to San Francisco in the first place: the chance to push myself physically, mentally, emotionally — to do things I never thought were possible.
“And I know there are people who don’t understand. To some, it doesn’t make sense. But I’m on a journey.”
And as for those critics who suggest Hayne is no chance of making the switch?
“I heard the same thing a year ago,’’ he said. “And to be honest, it’s a natural reaction.
“I know it’s a big ask. And I know I may not make this team. But I’m going to put my head down and have the best go at it I can.”
Only last week, Hayne was spotted training with Parramatta shortly before departing for camp with the Fijian sevens side.
Previously, the two-time Dally M medallist has said it would be the Eels — not the Roosters or Penrith — that would be his first choice should he return to the NRL. A position he reiterated yesterday.
“I’ve always said that, if I’m in a position to come back, then Parramatta would be my first choice,’’ Hayne said. “But we’ll have to see what happens.
“Right now, my only concern is the next few weeks here in Fiji.”
