Hayne poised to sign
Article from: The Daily Telegraph
By James Phelps
December 12, 2007 12:00am
THE race to sign one of rugby league's hottest talents should end today with Australian Test star Jarryd Hayne poised to re-sign with the Eels.
Hayne has agreed to a new-deal with Parramatta - ending months of speculation over his future. Hayne's manager Wayne Beavis last night said his star client was "likely'' to sign a new deal with the Eels today.
"It more likely than not that the deal will be done,'' said Beavis. "But I don't like to say anything until the ink is on the paper. It's close but it hasn't been done yet. I am just about to send them an email hoping it could be done soon.''
Hayne, one of the most sought after players on the market, could have commanded up to $400,000 a season on the open market with both the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs vying for his signature.
Hayne, however, was prepared to take a bit less and stay loyal to the club that gave him his start. "I want to stay at Parra,'' Hayne said. "It's where I was born and where I got my start. I really don't see myself leaving.
"I see myself as just a kid still growing ... so there's no point chasing coin and the massive deals. Right now, there's no reason to leave or go chasing money here or in England.''
The Rabbitohs have stepped up their bid to sign outstanding local junior John Sutton after failing to snare Hayne. Souths boss Shane Richardson confirmed Sutton was a "priority'' after the club missed out on the Eels winger.
"We have had some discussions and we are hopeful of working something out soon,'' Richardson said. Sutton, considered by many to be a future representative player, met with Richardson last week.
Manager Steve Gillis said his client's preference was to remain at the Rabbitohs. "Shane wants to get John sorted out as soon as possible,'' Gillis said.
"We have already begun negotiations. John has indicated to me that if we can strike a deal with South than he would be happy not to look at any other options. He is a local junior and he would like to stay. Talks so far have been positive.''
The Rabbitohs are also interested in Hayne's teammate Krisian Inu.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22908054-5006066,00.html
