Game changer: Hayne re-signs with Eels, then mulls switching codes
Date
March 28, 2013
Michael Chammas
Rugby league reporter
Jarryd Hayne has revealed his desire to try his hand at another code, but that won't be for at least another two years after the Parramatta fullback signed a two-year extension with the Eels.
Hayne, who agreed to remain at his junior club until at least the end of coach Ricky Stuart's contract in 2015, admitted he has always been interested in testing himself in rugby union or Australian rules.
The 25-year-old believes he has the ability to be a successful code-hopper and has left the door slightly ajar for a move to another sport when his new two-year deal expires.
''I don't feel I could do it, I know I could,'' Hayne said of a potential move to either code. ''I enjoy other sports and I'd love to try other sports, don't get me wrong, but from a career perspective, I haven't done all I want to do in rugby league yet. It's obviously a time thing and rugby league takes up all of that.
''With all the codes playing in the same season, it's difficult. It definitely would be interesting to try my hand and see where I'm at but rugby league comes first and that's what I'm going to be doing - for the next couple of years anyway.''
His two-year deal won't ensure Hayne remains an Eel for life, choosing to pledge his allegiance to the club for the duration of Stuart's time as head coach.
He admits he's formed a close bond with the former NSW Origin coach and made that clear in negotiations with the club.
''With Ricky's plan, it makes a lot sense doing the deal I did for two years,'' Hayne said.
''It's the way I wanted to do it and the club were fine with it. With the future that Parramatta holds and with the preseason we've had under Sticky, it's exciting times ahead.
''I do see his vision and the vision of the club and that's part of the reason I re-signed. I'm excited for the next generation of the club coming through and definitely the current generation. I'm looking forward to where we need to be. We're not there yet but we're definitely improving, that's the plus sign.''
There was very little speculation linking Hayne to rival clubs during negotiations with the club. He said it was because he made it quite clear that he never wanted to play elsewhere.
''I never thought about leaving because I couldn't see myself playing anywhere else,'' Hayne said.
''I'm sure there was interest out there but never enough for my manager to go out and explore them. You always hear stories and rumours but I didn't want to lead any clubs on and most of them knew Parramatta was always my first choice.
''It's exciting to be where I am at the moment. There's a lot on my shoulders with the co-captaincy but with big responsibility comes big rewards. It's something I'm enjoying and definitely learning a lot from as well.''
