Eels may find it hard to fit star man back in cap

PARRAMATTA may have to do some creative accounting to squeeze superstar Jarryd Hayne back on to its NRL roster if his ambitious NFL adventure comes up short.

Picture: GETTY IMAGES

PARRAMATTA may have to do some creative accounting to squeeze superstar Jarryd Hayne back on to its NRL roster if his ambitious NFL adventure comes up short.

Some judges are tipping Hayne could be back in the NRL in 2016, which would mean the Eels would need to make sure they have enough room to submit a contract the NRL would accept.

The Eels have already signed former Canberra utility back Reece Robinson on a one-year deal, which would suggest Hayne may give himself one season to crack the NFL, or at least open the door to a contract in 2016.

Meanwhile, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll (pictured) said he didn't meet Hayne when he toured the club's facilities last month, but described the 26-year-old as "an incredible athlete and great competitor".

"It (rugby league) is a very physical and demanding game, so those guys have all the same stuff we're looking for in our guys," Carroll said.

Originally published as Eels may find it hard to fit star man back in cap