Jarryd Hayne stays an Eel

Boom Eels rookie Jarryd Hayne has surprisingly stayed with his birth club in recent days; the result coming to light after South Sydney announced they were withdrawing from the race to sign the talented Rugby League back.

With only a few years in the game, Hayne has become hot NRL property and has also attracted Rugby League interest from across the globe.

A deceptive and crafty winger or fullback, Hayne has been on a try scoring run that has seen him enjoy State of Origin success at an early age. However, the Hayne bloodlines do go back and intertwine with South Sydney.

It's been widely reported about Hayne's father Manoa Thompson and his links with Souths, many feeling that Hayne would retrace his fathers steps and link with the rising South Sydney Rabbits Rugby League club. With the likes of high profile owners in Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court, and now an impressive playing roster over at South Sydney - it certainly seemed that the Rabbits had a chance of pulling off a big NRL Rugby League signing coup.

In what is a vote for loyalty, which is rare these days - Jarryd Hayne looks to have stayed at Parramatta for less money than he could have earned at Souths or even overseas in the UK Super League competition. Hayne through his manager expressed thanks to the Eels for giving him his start and felt comfortable staying with the Parramatta club.

Surely the fact too that close friend and school mate Kris Inu remains at the Eels played a part in the decision. The Rugby League up and coming stars grew up playing footy together in the suburb of Minto, alongside fellow friend Israel Folau.

The continued easy going influence of new Eels coach Michael Hagan must be having a positive effect on players and now with the injection of Andrew Johns to perform some skills work with the halves - the players must be happy as a squad in their current surroundings. The times of Brian Smith now seem a world away as his strict hardline approach has relocated to Newcastle.