The "life time contract" talk is all lip service to try and paint a picture that Hayne as doing the right thing. It's all crap. If Hayne does come back, and I don't think he will, it will be to the highest bidder with the best chance at a premiership
Now to the more pressing issue. What is the club going to do with that gigantic Hayne photo in the club?
I don't believe the 'life time contract' bullshit either.
The one thing he hasn't achieved in league is a premiership so it makes sense that if he returns it will be to the club that gives him the best chance to do so - just like SBW.
On reflection, we are losing a player and captain who doesn't believe in his team mates, club and coach. There is no way he would leave now if he thought we were a chance of winning a premiership next year. Hayne believes in himself but he doesn't believe in anyone else and you can't have a leader that doesn't believe in those he is leading.
I reckon the reason that this decision was so hard is because he knew he was doing the wrong thing not because of some fear of failure.
As for the gigantic photo of Hayne, I would take it down ASAP. I wonder also if it affects the membership brochures etc for next year? I'm sure there are a lot of other headaches Hayne has caused the club by not having the decency to give some notice.