The Dragons have taken advantage of the Eels’ salary cap pressure and have snuck under Parramatta’s guard to make a rich offer to Jarryd Hayne.
ST George Illawarra has reportedly offered a one-year, $500,000 contract to the former NSW and Australia outside back for next season.
The former NFL running back remains unsigned for the 2019 season — just over two weeks out from his scheduled return to pre-season training with the Eels. Hayne has commented on social media he remains committed to the Eels, but the Dragons have already forced a window open to recruit the former NSW State of Origin star.
“5 weeks still waiting for a contract??” Hayne Tweeted recently.
Hayne took a mammoth $700,000 pay cut to return to the blue and golds after a failed stint on the Gold Coast. Despite the salary sacrifice, there was some scepticism about the move given his messy exit from the Titans.
But after overcoming injuries, Hayne showed glimpses of his brilliant best, justifying the gamble and seemingly doing enough to earn another contract.
The Dragons have an outside back spot to fill after Nene Macdonald signed a three-year deal with North Queensland and Jason Nightingale called time on his career.
The Eels remain hopeful of sorting out a deal, but the interest from the Dragons will apply additional pressure to make it happen quickly.
“Myself, (coach) Brad (Arthur) and (recruitment manager) Peter Sharp have directly told Jarryd that we want to keep him,” said Eels CEO Bernie Gurr.
“We’ve got to sort through a few issues but we definitely want to keep him.”
Watch some of Jarryd Hayne’s highlights in the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdFXr975JyI
