Jarred Hayne was and would still be one of Australian Rugby League's premier players. He is an amazing backline player who has played at international level for his country Australia as well as Fiji - he is not Samoan but Fijian in heritage from his fathers side and has represented both countries at world cup level.
Rugby League is a different game and so comparing him to Lebron doesnt quite stack up given his position as a backline player. On ability and importance to his team yes he is the equivalent of Lebron but there are stars in the game that suit the Lebron comparison better as they play the playmaking positions.
He is very very well respected within Australia which is a far cry for Rugby League players. His stints playing in the Australian nation team, the Fiji national team as well as the equivalent of all star games have always drawn crowds.
For background his representative side. i.e. the equivalent of demarcus playing for the kings is just that, Hayne was the best player, the star attraction for a team that dwelled at the bottom of the standings. More then once his skill pushed them to victory which is something given Rugbly League has significantly more players on the field and Hayne whilst more than able to, was not naturally selected as a playmaker who had the ball in his hands on every possession.
i think that says it all.
