Success or money decision looms for Hayne

RUGBY LEAGUE: A decision Parramatta’s Jarryd Hayne makes in the coming weeks may ultimately determine if he ever realises what still arguably remains the only thing he still has left to achieve in the game – a premiership.

While the Dragons may not have the money to satisfy Hayne’s reported $700,000 asking price, the question for the 30-year-old is what value he places on winning the comp before he retires, given the Eels’ last-place finish in 2018.

When Hayne quit the NRL to chase his NFL dream four years ago, he said it was time for a new challenge because he had nothing left to achieve in rugby league.

At the time, Storm great Cameron Smith questioned Hayne’s motivation given the two-time Dally M Medal winner had not won a premiership.

With Parramatta needing to offload Michael Jennings to Newcastle before making Hayne a serious offer, it is understood the Dragons have about $500,000 ready to spend and are waiting to see if Hayne wants to make a change.

While Canterbury has also expressed interest, it is looking to sign Hayne at a bargain price and is coming off a 12thplace finish in 2018.

If Hayne were to move to the Dragons he would join a squad considered one of the strongest in the league – with an outstanding forward pack and two international halves – but in desperate need of an experienced big-game outside back.

After a slow start to season 2018 because of injury, Hayne showed that when fit and motivated he could still match it with the NRL’s best players.

It all now depends on how he wants to play out the remainder of his career – whether money will be his motivation, or if he places more value on trying to finish his career with the one achievement that has so far eluded him. — Paul Crawley