Paul Gallen has welcomed a possible return for Jarryd Hayne to the NRL, which could come as early as this year, after the former NFL star was excluded from Fiji's Rugby Sevens squad for the Rio Olympics. Kieran Foran's exit from the Eels would free up funds for Hayne to return to the Eels. Retiring NSW skipper Gallen and Hayne combined for the Blues drought-breaking series win in 2014. The NRL's June 30 deadline only applies to registered rugby league players, which means Hayne could return to Parramatta this year if the NRL registers his contract. NRL boss Todd Greenberg opened the door for Hayne's return after hearing he wouldn't be at the Rio Olympics.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 11, 2016 05:03 UTC