Rugby league superstar Jarryd Hayne has dropped a bombshell by announcing he is quitting the code to pursue an NFL career in the United States.
The fullback has withdrawn from Australia’s Four Nations squad, which was only announced on Tuesday, and has accepted a conditional release from his NRL contract with Parramatta.
Hayne only recently returned from a trip to Seattle where he looked over the set-up at the city’s NFL champion Seahawks who are one third of the way into their season.
However he says he does not have a contract with the Seahawks or any other club and is about to start negotiations, aiming to join a training squad with the aim of breaking into the NFL next season.
He also says he’s given up the chance to probably become the highest-paid player in the NRL to pursue a long-held dream.
And he’s agreed to a deal with Parramatta so that, should he return, it will be to the Eels.
“I’m always telling people to chase their dreams and follow their hearts, if I don’t live by that I’m not being honest with myself,” Hayne told a packed media conference at Parramatta Leagues Club.
Hayne indicated he has actually stalled his move to the US by one season already.
“The reason I didn’t make this decision any earlier was because of the part I played in getting (Eels coach) Brad (Arthur) to the club and the way we finished the season.
“I felt I owed the club one more year and I gave it everything I could.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL, and at my age, this is my one and only chance at having a crack at playing there.”
Describing it as the hardest decision of his life, Hayne added: “I’m excited about the potential opportunities that lie ahead. I’ve known the deadline has been looming for me to make this call, and I believe the right time is now.
“I’m so passionate about the challenge that lies ahead for me, not only as an athlete but more so as a person.
“It hasn’t been an easy decision for me to leave the Eels, the club’s been my home and family since I was 13.
“The hardest thing about leaving the club is there’s stability for the first time in a long time, but I know where my heart lies and I’m following that.
“I’m leaving knowing that I have signed a lifetime agreement with the Eels, so if I return to the NRL, it will be to Parramatta.”
