World's best Hayne denies move to AFL - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

World's best Hayne denies move to AFL

By Steve Jancetic 10/11/2009 08:23:00 PM Comments (0)

The man voted the best rugby league player on the planet insists he's going nowhere, with international footballer of the year Jarryd Hayne quashing speculation of a move to the new Greater Western Sydney (GWS) AFL franchise.

Hayne was awarded the game's highest individual honour at a gala ball in Leeds on Monday night, the Parramatta sensation beating Kangaroo teammates Greg Inglis and Billy Slater for the gong.

The prize comes as recognition of one of the most spectacular patches of form ever witnessed in the game, the sort of form that has him in the sights of newly-appointed GWS coach Kevin Sheedy.

While Hayne's blend of speed, skill and athleticism would make him a natural fit to follow former Brisbane fullback Karmichael Hunt in making the code switch, the Parramatta star said he is committed to rugby league and signing a new four-year deal with the Eels.

"I don't know anything about it," Hayne said of the reported approach from the AFL.

"I spoke to my manager and he knew nothing so I don't know where it's come from.

"All I know is when I get back I'll be signing with Parramatta, I really don't know anything about all that."

Despite being named the game's best player, Hayne has been a largely peripheral figure during Australia's charge to the Four Nations final with the Eels star struggling to come to grips with his switch to the wing.

Hayne did most of his damage in 2009 from the fullback position, but with Slater having a mortgage on the green and gold No.1 jumper, Hayne has been forced to settle for a spot on the flanks.

"Obviously it's been a bit tough, I haven't played wing since Origin (for NSW) and it's been a long time between drinks to the form I showed at fullback," Hayne said of his Four Nations campaign.

"I'd love to (play fullback) but Billy's earned his spot. He deserves his spot. Obviously there's a healthy challenge there with me playing fullback as well.

Hayne was a favourite for the award, which is now in it's second year with Slater the inaugural winner in 2008.

His Origin performances for NSW when he played on the wing were something to behold, yet they paled in comparison to the six man-of-the-match performances in the space of seven weeks which pushed Parramatta to within 80 minutes of premiership glory.

"Some of the things I've done I don't even know I'm doing and that's how it looks," Hayne said of his 2009 form.

"That's why when I score great tries I get carried away with the celebrations - I'm just like a fan in the crowd going 'what did I just do' and wanting the replay to come on to see what I just did.

"I just feel very lucky, very blessed and very humbled to be in the position I am and to do the things I do because the thrill I get is something you can't compare."

Hayne (fullback) was joined by Kangaroos teammates Inglis (centre), Cameron Smith (hooker) and Johnathan Thurston (halfback) in the team of the year, with Kiwi duo Benji Marshall (five-eighth) and Fuifui Moimoi (prop) also making the cut.

Surprise Four Nations finalists England had three starters with Wests Tigers forward Gareth Ellis (second row) and Kevin Sinfield (lock) joined by international rookie of the year winner Ryan Hall (wing).

NRL premiership-winner Craig Bellamy won coach of the year and Australian Shayne Hayne referee of the year.

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