The NFL keeps becoming more and more of a global game. The league has experimented with games in London over the last few years, and there is speculation that London could get a team sometime within the next decade.
Another place where the league is growing is Australia. One of the main reasons is that Jarryd Hayne, a native of Australia and a former rugby star who decided to try American football, is playing in the league for the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, according to a report by The Daily Telegraph, there are talks involving the Niners and the league that could lead to San Francisco playing a preseason game down under.
SECRET talks are under way to bring Jarryd Hayne’s San Francisco 49ers to Australia for a gridiron game at ANZ Stadium.
The billionaire chairman of the 49ers, John York, has revealed he is keen on the idea, being negotiated by NSW Premier Mike Baird.
The aim is to play an official NFL pre-season trial next August in a match that would cost $10 million to stage, with the funds coming from major-event budgets and ticket sales.
“It’s something we’d definitely consider with the NFL,” Dr York said.
So far, Hayne hasn’t made the biggest impact in the NFL, as he’s carried the ball eight times for 25 yards, but he’s done a nice job as a punt returner. Hayne has returned only eight punts, but he’s brought them back for 76 total yards.
Hayne’s biggest impact has been the way he’s helped grow the game in Australia. According to York, he’s met people from Australia at every game and calls their support “incredible.” Maybe the league will reward that support with a Niners game in Australia somewhere down the line.
(via The Daily Telegraph)
