Jarryd Hayne is a name well recognised in sporting circles. Initially, he was a star Parramatta Eels full back until he was lured away with a chance to star in the much bigger American NFL football franchise. Suddenly copies of his number 38 jersey were selling like hot cakes in Australia and every time he entered the field of play his moves got air time on Australian television.
Sadly, it didn't work out and Hayne was considering many offers to continue his playing career. His old club Parramatta was going through hard times because of salary cap violations and it had been stripped of the twelve points won this season. There was talk of renewal and when Hayne had left to join the American NFL some considered he had an obligation to return to his old club because of their leniency in cancelling his contract to allow the American move.
Hayne returned to Australia - and kept the fans guessing. It seems that the Parramatta Eels were devastated when it was announced that he had signed with the Gold Coast Titans - for a $ 2.4 million contract spread over two years.
The reaction was swift - and furious. Anything to do with Hayne's was promptly discounted, including the famous 38 jersey he wore in NFL games. There are cat calls of " Traitor " and threats of crowd violence whenever he runs on the field in a Titans jersey to play Parramatta. The fact that Parramatta fell short of the Titans bid is no consolation to fan fury.
Unfortunately, the expectations fans make of their favourite players are not realistic. Fame and glory are usually short lived and a wise player milks that opportunity to the full to gain the comfortable lifestyle that sport has placed within his grasp.
Australian footballers - both Rugby League and Aussie Rules - are well paid but their rewards pale into insignificance in comparison to the salaries of the American NFL. It stands to reason that Australia with a total population of twenty-four million people have a much smaller sporting audience than the three hundred million Americans.
A similar comparison exists with Soccer. A top player with a big name club draws an absolute fortune and is part of the national culture. Their rewards are legendary and many retire to fabulous country estates more suited to the British aristocracy.
In comparison, any Australian footballer of either code who has the good fortune to achieve fame knows that he lives just a hairs breadth from misfortune. A very ordinary knock on the field may take time to heal and fame only is retained while the star and his team are still winning matches. The fans are fickle - and the hero of yesteryear is soon forgotten.
Unfortunately, not all sporting stars are wise. Some waste their money on the high life and end up pathetic drunks - and broke. It seems that Hayne's has been granted the wisdom to reach for the stars and he is determined to make the most of his earning ability while good health allows that to continue.
A decade or so from now, it will probably be a Jarryd Haynes who sits in the commentary box and opines on the games being played. The skill on the field is finite. The clever ones are those who use their time in the spotlight to safeguard their future lifestyle.
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