Former NFL star identifies Roosters pairing as possible code-hoppers

AFTER Jarryd Hayne stunned the world with his electrifying debut, a former NFL player has identified two NRL stars as being the next possible converts.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the attack for the Roosters. NRL, Penrith Panthers Vs Sydney Roosters at Pepper stadium Penrith, round 18 Saturday 11th July 2015. Pic: Mitch Cameron

IT was inevitable that Jarryd Hayne’s stunning NFL debut would ignite the debate as to who would be next to try their luck in America’s biggest football code. Former NFL star Colin Scotts has pinpointed two Aussies that could potentially make the grade.

Speaking to Sportal, Scotts said NFL selectors would be looking for only a select type of athlete if they were to take a shot with another NRL player.

“They love the vertical jump, people that can jump,” Scotts said.

“They’ve got to be fast, really good on their feet and be strong.

“You’ve got to have speed, strength and coordination — if you don’t, you’ll be left behind.”

Had it not been for his age, Scotts said Greg Inglis would have been a likely success story in the US.

“Greg Inglis a few years back would have killed it and I expect the NFL will be coming down and seriously looking at rugby league guys,” he said.

Michael Jennings’ blinding speed could help him stand out to potential NFL scouts.

The former NFL defensive end identified Roosters pairing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Michael Jennings as two current NRL stars who have shown the attributes needed to make it in the top American football league in the world.

“Absolutely. Tell me someone that has got massive speed and massive leap and they’ll be all over them,” he said.

The 52-year-old warned potential NRL converts of the challenges of making it in the tough sport, acknowledging Hayne as a unique athlete.

In his performances for the Roosters, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has proved himself as one of the most impressive athletes in the NRL.

“The floodgates might open up because of what Jarryd has done but I don’t want league players using this as a leverage saying ‘I’m going to go to the NFL if you don’t give me enough money’,” Scotts said.

“It’s disrespectful and insulting because it’s insanely hard to make.

“Jarryd is a one in a hundred athlete.”

Originally hailing from Sydney, Scotts played rugby for the 1981 Australian Schoolboys team before being spotted by an assistant NFL coach and moving to Hawaii on a full football scholarship.

After being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 1987, Scotts made seven appearances in the NFL as a defensive end and tight end. He was traded to the Houston Oilers the following year but did not play.