Wayne Bennett backs rugby league to expand in America on the back of Jarryd Hayne

BRONCOS coach Wayne Bennett has urged the NRL to capitalise on the back of the publicity generated by Jarryd Hayne and make inroads into America.

BRONCOS coach Wayne Bennett has urged NRL hierarchy to capitalise on Jarryd Hayne’s NFL fairytale by establishing a rugby league footprint in America.

Twenty-eight years after spruiking State of Origin in Los Angeles, Bennett believes it is time for NRL boss Dave Smith to get serious about selling the game to the USA.

As revealed by The Courier-Mail, the NRL has scuppered plans for Bennett’s Broncos to play an exhibition against Penrith in Hawaii in October, due largely to timing and insurance issues.

But Bennett says Hayne’s exploits with American football’s 49ers is the perfect leverage-point for the NRL to target a sports-mad country with a population of 318 million.

The super coach has been involved in rugby league’s two incursions into the US. Bennett coached the Maroons in their 30-18 Origin loss to NSW in California in 1987 before leading Australia to a 36-24 victory over the Tomahawks in Philadelphia in 2004.

“Jarryd has had a lot of publicity and we’re pleased for him because he’s one of ours,” Bennett said.

“It’s something I’m excited about ... to see him doing so well.

“The Americans know more about rugby league than they ever did and a couple of games over there wouldn’t hurt going forward.

“But it has to be a bit more than a few games.

“I have been to America twice, with State of Origin in 1987 and I was there with the Australian team.

The Kangaroos played a game against the USA Tomahawks in Philadelphia in 2004.

“Unless we are going to put money into it and support it, it’s not going to happen. I think we should (promote the NRL in America), but it’s another decision for the administrators.”

Bennett received support from Souths counterpart Michael Maguire, whose Rabbitohs spent last pre-season in Arizona and previously played a trial in Florida.

“Rugby league has tried to be exposed there (America) quite often and Russell (Crowe, Souths owner) is passionate about trying to do that,” he said.

“I’m sure if the NRL does get behind it there is a massive population that will enjoy the full contact of what our games bring.

“It’s unreal to see Jarryd following his dream.

“I would support it if it’s the right thing for our club and the sport to expose ourselves on an international level.”

Bennett is determined to see the Broncos play in Hawaii next summer.

“I think we can do it in the pre-season,” he said.

“There is some talk about doing it then. America is a huge market, they love the body contact sports, but it’s a waste of time going there unless the NRL are going to put some resources into it.”