New York set sights on Jarryd Hayne as they prepare to enter English game

The New York team lined up to enter the Championship in 2019 want to make NRL superstar Jarryd Hayne their first signing.

Following the success of Toronto this season in League 1, a small consortium have proposed plans for New York to be playing in England’s second tier within two years.

They are confident of building a fan base of 10,000 in the first year, with Hayne’s signature high on the list of priorities.

Currently playing for the Gold Coast Titans, Hayne is one of the game’s household names and is an ex-NFL running back with the San Francisco 49ers.

“Jarryd Hayne would a perfect signing for a team in New York given his background in the NFL, given his love of American sports, given the profile he has in Australia,” Bid co-founder Ricky Wilby told nrl.com.

“He would be a perfect fit. I’ve not spoken to Jarryd, but I would love to. It would great to meet with his agent and discuss a way forward.”

Much like Toronto, the New York organisers say the team will cover all travel costs of visiting teams and play their home and away fixtures in blocks.

Unlike the Wolfpack though, Wilby says the team will be based in New York with home matches to be played at the Red Bull Arena soccer stadium.

The New York club would not seek central funding and say they have already secured a £7.5 million investment as they aim to bring rugby league to the huge American sports market.

“We have a small consortium of high-networking individuals, one member of which has made New York his home, and all have a significant love for the game,” said the club’s other co-founder Tom Scott.

Should this proposal be given the green light by the RFL, it is likely to be a huge boost for the sport ahead of the 2025 World Cup in the United States and Canada.