<![CDATA[2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL]]>Hey guys,

Sorry if this is a lengthy post, but I believe this could be very interesting.

I am a Browns fan from Australia, I mostly lurk on the forums, but I thought I'd bring up an interesting topic that has been huge in Australia in the last 3 months, front page stuff, tonnes of interest and a lot of pissed off Rugby fans.
The best Rugby player, arguably of all time, has left the game to pursue a career in the NFL. He has been a fan since he was a boy.

His name is Jarryd Hayne, he's 6'2, 220 pounds, fast, evasive, can catch any ball kicked or thrown at him, tackle anyone, has a very strong core, can stop on a time and step anyone.

He has no weaknesses in the Australian game, and is one of the best athletes in the country.

However,

As we know, Football is a complex game, it has set routes and plays. Rugby however doesn't have a huge amount of structure by comparison, and Hayne's strength in play is improvisation and instinct.

He's 26, this doesn't give him much time to succeed, his age could impair this.

Where does he fit? I could see him playing as a punt/kick returner in the NFL to start with, and perhaps moving onto a running back role if he shone as a returner and started to understand the plays. In the Australian game, if you drop the ball it's an instant interception to the other team, they don't even have to catch the ball, he played a position called "Fullback" where in Rugby you're the last line of defense, and you need to catch the ball when it's kicked deep (one in every 4 plays), I don't think I once saw him drop it.

By rugby league standards, he has elite pace. By Football standards, probably just very fast. We don't use the 40 yard dash as a pace measurement, but apparently has run a 4.5 in recent testing.

I'd be absolutely thrilled to find he'd be in any NFL training camp in the off season, let alone the Browns (the dream).

Do any of you think he's even a shot at making an NFL squad?

Below is a video displaying his ability to run with the ball and step players with very little space.

Thanks for your time.

Tudeski.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/topic/31244/2x-australian-rugby-mvp-wants-a-shot-at-the-nflRSS for NodeFri, 02 Oct 2026 09:55:34 GMTWed, 10 Dec 2014 02:41:29 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Sun, 01 Nov 2015 13:20:32 GMT]]>Well I guess it didn't translate too well

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/543563https://brownsboard.com/post/543563Sun, 01 Nov 2015 13:20:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Sun, 01 Nov 2015 03:34:05 GMT]]>

@logicisforsquares said:

Hayne was waived by 49ers today.

Thats saying something...they are in shambles.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/543513https://brownsboard.com/post/543513Sun, 01 Nov 2015 03:34:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Sun, 01 Nov 2015 02:48:45 GMT]]>Hayne was waived by 49ers today.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/543502https://brownsboard.com/post/543502Sun, 01 Nov 2015 02:48:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:38:51 GMT]]>

XxDaBuckeyexX said:

For sure, whats funny is hes not in Madden.

He actually is. 😉

http://www.muthead.com/16/players/9032-jarryd-hayne

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/528670https://brownsboard.com/post/528670Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:38:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:18:47 GMT]]>

@tudeski said:

Amen to Madden 😉

Have to admit, my boy has done pretty well so far.

But this is the big league now, this is when it matters, is an interesting story, I am sure you will admit?

For sure, whats funny is hes not in Madden.]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/528664https://brownsboard.com/post/528664Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:18:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:15:39 GMT]]>

XxDaBuckeyexX said:

If he has been playing Madden he'll step right in and dominate!!!......

Amen to Madden 😉

Have to admit, my boy has done pretty well so far.

But this is the big league now, this is when it matters, is an interesting story, I am sure you will admit?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/528663https://brownsboard.com/post/528663Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:15:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Mon, 24 Aug 2015 01:54:11 GMT]]>Having yet another really good game for the Niners 🙂

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/524074https://brownsboard.com/post/524074Mon, 24 Aug 2015 01:54:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Sun, 16 Aug 2015 14:10:12 GMT]]>I watched the game... had a gapping hole on his long run.

He did not look that fast, but did seem to have very good "field vision". Minus I saw was that he swapped football from arm to arm often and for no apparent reason other than perhaps his right arm is his favorite.

Reminded me a bit of Peyton Hillis... the good Peyton Hillis.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/522675https://brownsboard.com/post/522675Sun, 16 Aug 2015 14:10:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Sun, 16 Aug 2015 05:55:56 GMT]]>If rugby actually was as useless as most fans on this thread have suggested, NFL teams wouldn't be "switching" to rugby-style tackling in order to ensure that D misses 0% of open-field tackles. This guy has the ability to nearly immediately be a nickel/dime CB on most teams.. not the Browns who have a top 3 [if not #1] DB in the league.

On average, rugby hitting [from the D to an opposing player on offense] is the same if not harder than football hitting.. because when you include in the average each time a football player lays out and whiffs, remember that the rugby player does not miss that tackle.

A rugby player with no experience would probably start out as a special teams contributor. Ohio State had a player drafted in 2012 [Nate Ebner] who's a similar physical specimen for the Patriots. He's still earning a spot on the gameday 53 - he played in the last SB.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/522649https://brownsboard.com/post/522649Sun, 16 Aug 2015 05:55:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Sun, 16 Aug 2015 04:32:46 GMT]]>Adrian Peterson runs just as high though doesn't he?

Hayne also runs the same 40 as him, same height, and is 5 pounds heavier.

If he doesn't make the list, I'd kill to see him work with our O-line/special teams.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/522645https://brownsboard.com/post/522645Sun, 16 Aug 2015 04:32:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Sun, 16 Aug 2015 04:27:21 GMT]]>Saw that. Still runs a bit high. He'll learn. The potential is there.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/522644https://brownsboard.com/post/522644Sun, 16 Aug 2015 04:27:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Sun, 16 Aug 2015 03:57:28 GMT]]>BUMP 😉

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015081552/2015/PRE1/49ers@texans#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000510711&tab=recap

53 yard run, first game, second run.
Followed by a reasonable punt return.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/522638https://brownsboard.com/post/522638Sun, 16 Aug 2015 03:57:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Thu, 05 Mar 2015 04:39:26 GMT]]>No mention of Renaldo Neamiah..another San Fran sideshow

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482711https://brownsboard.com/post/482711Thu, 05 Mar 2015 04:39:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Wed, 04 Mar 2015 04:07:07 GMT]]>No, I've not played, but I've watched more than a little.

The hitting is different.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482518https://brownsboard.com/post/482518Wed, 04 Mar 2015 04:07:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:36:23 GMT]]>

@gftchris said:

Uh huh...ever play a game of rugby?

Obviously not......

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482386https://brownsboard.com/post/482386Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:36:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:31:36 GMT]]>

@tour2ma said:

... or instantly impacted.

The interesting thing will be when he gets really popped NFL style. While I know there's hitting in rugby, and in no way question the toughness of rugby players, my impression is that the biggest hits are inadvertent. There's a sense of unprotected, self-preservation that ameliorates the impacts.

Whereas in the NFL the biggest hits are purposeful thanks in large part to the equipment... and the "culture".

Uh huh...ever play a game of rugby?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482385https://brownsboard.com/post/482385Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:31:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:14:03 GMT]]>... or instantly impacted.

The interesting thing will be when he gets really popped NFL style. While I know there's hitting in rugby, and in no way question the toughness of rugby players, my impression is that the biggest hits are inadvertent. There's a sense of unprotected, self-preservation that ameliorates the impacts.

Whereas in the NFL the biggest hits are purposeful thanks in large part to the equipment... and the "culture".

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482380https://brownsboard.com/post/482380Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:14:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:04:24 GMT]]>

@the-gipper said:

Rugby players never have to block. That will be a more important task for him to learn than running the ball.

Agree, if he wants to become even a part-time RB. But as a punt returner, he could make an instant impact.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482376https://brownsboard.com/post/482376Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:04:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Tue, 03 Mar 2015 16:44:29 GMT]]>

@gftchris said:

The general response I see from americans watching rugby for the first time is along the lines of "that shit will destroy nfl teams if they try it"

The ball travels faster than the man, so once in a while it could be a great tactic.

Rugby players never have to block. That will be a more important task for him to learn than running the ball.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482373https://brownsboard.com/post/482373Tue, 03 Mar 2015 16:44:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Tue, 03 Mar 2015 16:11:41 GMT]]>

@tour2ma said:

What's the over/ under on him lateralling at some point during his first return?

The general response I see from americans watching rugby for the first time is along the lines of "that shit will destroy nfl teams if they try it"

The ball travels faster than the man, so once in a while it could be a great tactic.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482365https://brownsboard.com/post/482365Tue, 03 Mar 2015 16:11:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Tue, 03 Mar 2015 16:03:18 GMT]]>What's the over/ under on him lateralling at some point during his first return?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482361https://brownsboard.com/post/482361Tue, 03 Mar 2015 16:03:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:57:44 GMT]]>I figure there's a decent chance that a superior athlete could learn another sport and do well. They're kind of similar.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482316https://brownsboard.com/post/482316Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:57:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Tue, 03 Mar 2015 12:14:15 GMT]]>Rugby players are tough MOFO'S.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482301https://brownsboard.com/post/482301Tue, 03 Mar 2015 12:14:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to 2x Australian Rugby MVP wants a shot at the NFL on Tue, 03 Mar 2015 11:58:39 GMT]]>

@gftchris said:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000475963/article/australian-rugby-star-jarryd-hayne-signs-with-49ers?campaign=Ext_Email_1st10_20150303&cvosrc=Ext_Email.Epsilon.1st10_20150303

Happy ending?

Not exactly.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/482299https://brownsboard.com/post/482299Tue, 03 Mar 2015 11:58:39 GMT