SINGLETON Greyhounds winger Hayden Yates once dreamed of an NRL career.
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But, he might have to reassess that goal after attracting plenty of attention in another football code, gridiron.
After just nine games, and attending a camp at the Gold Coast last month, Yates has been inundated with scholarship offers – 26, in fact – from United States colleges, including the prestigious Columbia University.
The 19-year-old, who will lace up the boots against the Muswellbrook Rams in the BHP Billiton Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League first grade major semi-final on Saturday, knows a big decision is on the cards.
“I was taken aback by the interest,” he told The Argus.
“After the first day [at the camp], I received 14 emails straight away.
“I’m doing my SATs in October, so I’ll sift through the offers following that.”
Yates, and his Lake Macquarie Marauders, won the 2017 Hunter Gridiron League, with the local youngster being named Rookie of the Year.
And, while juggling his Greyhounds’ commitments, the slot receiver/kicker also took the field for The Dingoes in the Down Under Bowl on the Gold Coast.
“I’ve played rugby league since I was seven,” he said.
“But, I saw an ad on Facebook, which peaked my interest.
“I followed it up, gave it a try and topped three of the testing components – the 40-yard dash, agility drill and 10.5 10 shuttle.
“I’ll admit, I’ve always wanted to play in the NRL.
“However, this [latest interest] will make me re-evaluate things.
“It’s certainly opened a few doors.
“To have the chance to run around in the NFL [one day] is a new opportunity [for me].
“I’d like to be a running back.
“Gridiron is so different to league.
“It’s more of a thinking game, there’s a lot more strategy, and I love the physicality of it.
“I guess the world’s my oyster.”
Yates’ strength coach Nick Maier, from The Youth Academy, praised the teenager’s determination.
“I’ve been working with Hayden for close to 10 months now – and the mental and physical growth he’s shown has been nothing short of phenomenal,” he said.
“The grit, tenacity and perseverance he exudes to continue to work in the face of adversity are an example the next generation can learn from.
“In his past, he has been knocked down, hard.
“He’s an ex-Australian Schoolboys rep, among a myriad of other achievements.
“But, within the rugby league world, he couldn’t get people to ‘listen’.
“Hayden kept getting told ‘no’, despite doing everything he was asked to do and ticking all the boxes he was asked to tick.
“People kept telling him he missed it by an inch.
“And, now, all his hard work, dedication and sacrifices are coming to fruition with the abundance of college scholarships.”