By STEVE MASCORD
JACKSONVILLE Axemen owner Daryl “Spinner” Howland says a successful move to the NFL by Jarryd Hayne could be a massive boost for rugby league in the States.
While there’s been plenty of hand-wringing within the game over the departure of a current co-Dally M holder, Howland says such an attitude is “crazy”.
“At the start of this year 49 per cent of Americans said they were fans of the NFL,” Spinner tells Far & Wide. “That is about 150 million people. If only one per cent of them become aware of the NRL or rugby league that is positive.
“If rugby league messes this up for the fear of losing a player, they are nuts. The NRL should be all over this and supporting Jarryd Hayne anyway that creates media attention towards them.
“Just one per cent is all they need to interest. That is 1.5 million potential new fans, and it will cost them nothing more than some effort in joining some media and PR dots.”
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ONE fellow who caught the eye at the recent Mitchelton Nines was Latin Heat back rower Ken McKenzie.
Born in Guyana, the big man was light on his feet, ferocious in defence and highly skilful. He’s a prison guard in one of Queensland’s toughest institutions and owns a massage business that has stopped him realising his potential until now.
Even some of his team-mates weren’t sure where Guyana is; it’s above Brazil, on the Caribbean.
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IT’S not just the Four Nations kicking off this weekend.
The European Cup continues with Ireland hosting Scotland in Dublin while France take on Wales in Albi.
In recent results, Greece beat the Czech Republic 68-16 in Athens, Thailand downed Norway 46-6 in Bangkok and Nuie outclassed Philippines 36-22.
Filed for: RUGBY LEAGUE WEEK
Filed under: Far & Wide, International rugby league, Nines, Rugby League Week Tagged: American Rugby League, Daryl Howland, European Cup, Jarryd Hayne, Ken McKenzie, Latin Heat, War of the Codes
