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http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22892521-5006066,00.htmlHayne puts loyalty before cash
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By David Riccio
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December 09, 2007 12:00am
JARRYD Hayne is poised to ignore a $2million windfall to stay loyal to Parramatta, the club that gave him his start.
The teenage sensation has given the clearest indication yet that he will re-sign with the Eels.
Hayne is among the hottest talents on the market and is on the Rabbitohs' hit list courtesy of a five-year deal estimated at $400,000 a season.
But Hayne, whose Parramatta deal expires at the end of next year, said he won't be swayed by big numbers.
"Hopefully we can finalise something as soon as possible with Parramatta,'' Hayne said. ``I want to stay at Parra. It's where I was born and bred and where I've gained 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.
"I don't need the money. I'm happy where I am financially at now.''
However, the emerging superstar is at the centre of a major bidding war.
It's understood Hayne and his manager Wayne Beavis will meet with Eels officials this week.
But Russell Crowe's cashed-up Rabbitohs have made no secret of their desire to lure Hayne to the club where his father Manoa Thompson played.
The NSW and Australia outside back is seen as a potential marquee player at Redfern, but Thompson's allegiances to the Rabbits will have little influence on Hayne.
"That won't even come into it. I'm my own man. I've got to look after No1,'' Hayne said.
He is also in the sights of the Bulldogs and the Sharks.
"The only thing that would make me want to move was if I didn't find it a challenge at the club ... and I still find it a challenge here at Parra.
"With Nathan Hindmarsh and Nath Cayless, they're going to be legends for both Australia and New Zealand, so there's no worry from my end as far as talent and experience goes at the club.
"I've got a lot of good mates and a lot of friendships there. Where we're at now we can really give the NRL (premiership) a real shake.''
Hayne added that the prospect of switching to centre, following the departure to rugby union of Timana Tahu, offered further appeal, stating: "There's an opportunity to nail down that spot for a few years at Parramatta.''
The only downside to Hayne's likely decision to stick with the Eels would be the effect on close friend and team-mate Krisnan Inu.
Inu, also off contract at the end of next year, is still a major priority for the Eels but fitting them both under the salary cap could prove difficult.
After a breakout year, Inu, now a New Zealand international, is also in the sights of several clubs.
"I know it's tough for the club ... there's a few guys off contract, including Krisnan,'' Hayne said.
"It would be a good challenge (playing against him) ... especially if we came up against each other in the centres.''
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