RUGBY LEAGUE AND American football have a number of factors in common… though mostly it’s that rugby union fans look down on them both.
For that reason, Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne should fit right in after signing with the San Francisco 49ers.
The 27-year old first announced he was turning his attention to gridiron in October and spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions before signing with the 49ers.
While Hayne initially ruled out a move to the City by the Bay in December citing uncertainty in the coaching staff, it’s believed the offer of $100,000 guaranteed from San Francisco swung the reigning NRL Player of the Year’s decision.
Hayne will join British discus thrower Lawrence Okoye — who has spent the past two years with the 49ers practise squad — in a league that continues to look further and further afield in an attempt to find the next big star.
It is expected the former Parramatta Eel will compete for kick return and running back duties.
