JARRYD Hayne’s immediate retirement from rugby league to pursue a career in American football sent sporting world into a frenzy on Wednesday and sparked mixed media responses nation-wide.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Many suggested the decision was ill-informed, or just plain wrong for 26-year-old to have made while still in his rugby league prime.
However Orange’s Daniel Mortimer was unequivocally supportive of his former Parramatta teammate, saying he expects Hayne to take to American football like a duck to water.
“If anyone in rugby league is ever going to succeed in the NFL, it’s Haynsey,” Mortimer, now playing with Gold Coast Titans, said.
“I read it just like everyone else, I don’t think anyone was expecting it.
“He’s always been a massive fan of the game, and it’s no secret he’s said before he’d love to have a crack so why not do it when he’s still young, fit and strong.
“He’s done everything in rugby league, so why not have a crack.”
It was rumoured Hayne would head to America locked into a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, however, he will in fact be a free agent.
With NFL rosters closed for the 2014 season, the question remains as to whether Hayne will be able to find a spot on a franchise’s train-on team.
“I think he can, and I think he will be a success,” Mortimer said.
“He’s a freak really at everything.
“His power, speed and strength is unbelievable.
“I definitely think he can transfer it over into NFL.
“You look at American football players, there isn’t much endurance in the sport.
“It’s all power, and strength really.
“We all know what he can in rugby league but once he’s training specifically for NFL who knows what he’s capable of.”
“He’s following a dream and good on him,” Mortimer said.
