There is a Fijian connection at the Seattle Seahawks which could play a part in giving Jarryd Hayne a shot at an NFL contract.
Following on from Seahawks coach Pete Carroll describing Hayne as "an incredible athlete" in a press conference, it can be revealed Seattle have invested heavily in rugby as they strive to get an edge in one of the world's most competitive sporting competitions.
Fijian rugby great Waisale Serevi is based in Seattle, where he runs a rugby academy, and he's also been involved with the Seahawks as a tackling coach.
Hayne, a Fijian rugby league international, met with 39-Test rugby veteran Serevi and his family when he recently toured to Seattle as part of a fact-finding mission with the Parramatta Eels.
A quick look at social media reveals the pair share a bond.
Although 26-year-old Hayne is adamant he doesn't have anything lined up in the States for his arrival next week, Serevi's involvement with the Seahawks at least proves they're a club open to accepting a fresh perspective from the rugby world.
Former Super Bowl-winning coach and ESPN analyst Jon Gruden outlined in a recent Monday Night Football broadcast, that rugby was helping revolutionise tackling techniques at the Seahawks - with Serevi, 46, the man behind the initiative.
"They emphasise (tackling) a lot more than any team I've ever seen," said Gruden.
"They even hired the fulltime coach, Rocky Seto, who is the tackling coach.
"And when I was out there for a few days all they were doing was studying rugby tackling.
"They even brought Waisale Serevi, one of the great rugby players from Fiji, to Seattle to teach them how to tackle.
"They're trying to take the helmet out of tackling.
"They are emphasising shoulder tackling. Eyes through the thighs, lower the target."
On the day of Hayne's bombshell announcement that he was leaving the NRL to chase his NFL dreams, Serevi tweeted to Hayne; "Hope you're coming back to #Seattle to become @Seahawks in the neighborhood!"
Attached is a photo of Serevi - one of the legends of Sevens Rugby - in a Parramatta jersey standing with Hayne.
Although Hayne is more renowned as an attacking force in the NRL, his defensive technique is also very strong.
Carroll was very complimentary to the skills offered by Australian rugby players when asked about Hayne at a media conference.
Hayne flies to LA on Sunday where he will base himself until he can set up trials with NFL franchises.
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