Jarryd Hayne scratches NFL itch

For the next 12 months, Jarryd Hayne will dedicate himself to chasing the dream that has been itching away for two years – to become a NFL star.

The Parramatta fullback says he is passing by the chance to be the NRL’s highest-paid player to embark on an uncertain future as a NFL hopeful.

He knows there are no guarantees but it is a challenge he is relishing and, if he comes up short, he could be back in the NRL this time next year.

Hayne broke down several times during an emotional 30-minute media conference at Parramatta Leagues club as he chronicled his rise from poverty to a $1 million a year athlete, and spoke of his burning desire to play in the NFL.

“This is the hardest decision that I’ve ever had to make in my life,” Hayne said.

“I’m leaving my teammates, my friends and, most importantly, my family.

“But for me to grow as an athlete and as a person, I feel this is the right step to take.

“I have the speed. I’m a quick learner. I pick things up really quickly. I’ve got no doubt it’s going to be tough.

“It’s not going to be easy; I don’t have any experience in the NFL.

“Ultimately, it’s a 12-month plan, with going over there now and trying to make a train-on team where they basically just train like they’re second-tier players.

“But overall, it’s the next season and, for me to do that, I need to start preparing for that around January, February for the 2015 season.”

The current and two-time Dally M Player of the Year becomes the third superstar to quit the NRL following the 2014 season, joining rugby union signings Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess.

“I know some people might be upset about this but, at the end of the day, I am following my heart and, if people want to criticise me for that, so be it,” Hayne said.

“I thought about this 24 months ago and, if I had the courage, I would have done it sooner.

“The last 12 months, I have been serious about it and it is now or never.

“I don’t want to live with any regret.

“I know there are no guarantees and I know there will be some dark times ahead, but I am ready for that. 100 per cent, it is going to be scary but life is a gamble and I want to challenge myself.

“No risk, no reward.

“I feel like it (the NRL) wasn’t challenging me to the point I will now be challenged … and testing me the way that I now endeavour to be challenged and tested.”

Hayne has pulled out of Australia’s squad, named on Tuesday, for the Four Nations Test series after securing a conditional release from his NRL contract with Parramatta, which ensures he plays for the Eels if he comes back.

He recently returned from a trip to the US where he looked over the set-up at NFL champions, the Seattle Seahawks, now one third of the way into their season.

However, he has no contract with any NFL team and says he is prepared to turn up at training days in a bid to earn a deal for next season.

He will move to LA shortly and base himself there.

A keen student of the NFL, Hayne said he saw his future in the code as a kick returner, due to the position’s similarity to that of a NRL fullback.

The 26-year-old Hayne said he would not consider playing in the college system but would aim solely for the elite NFL.

Having played his whole career at Parramatta, Hayne said he had been about to begin negotiations with Eels officials that would have made him the NRL’s highest earner and leaving the club he loved was extremely hard.

“I am leaving as the game’s highest-paid player because I want to chase my dream,” he said.

“I’m heading over there as a blank canvas – it is crazy exciting.”

Hayne said helping in NSW’s drought-breaking State of Origin win earlier this year had helped make the decision for him and the response of his Eels teammates had been overwhelmingly positive, but informing coach Brad Arthur was difficult.

“That was tough. Making that call was harder than anything else, mum, dad,” he said.

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