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The fullback has withdrawn from Australia’s Four Nations squad, which was only announced on Tuesday, and has accepted a conditional release from his NRL contract with Parramatta.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.

He’s agreed a lifetime deal with Parramatta so that, should he return, it will be to the Eels.

“For the past 24 months I’ve been thinking about having a crack in the NFL, and over the last 12 months I’ve been seriously considering it,” Hayne wrote in an open letter to Eels fans on the club website on Wednesday.

“Today I can officially announce that I will be heading to the United States to pursue an opportunity to play American football.

“I will be withdrawing from the Kangaroos’ Four Nations side immediately, and accepting a conditional release from the Eels to make the move overseas.

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 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.

“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.”