Jarryd Hayne has sensationally announced he will quit the NRL to play NFL in the United States.
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Hayne, a dual Dally M Medallist and one of the game's genuine superstars, has already withdrawn from Australia's Four Nations squad. He is yet to secure a contract with an NFL franchise, but has accepted a conditional release from Parramatta to pursue his dream to play American football.
Id rather live with failure, then die we regret.
— jarryd hayne (@jarrydhayne_1) October 10, 2014
In a letter to Eels members, the 26-year-old explained to fans why he has made the decision to leave the game and the club.
"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," Hayne said.
"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."
Given the NFL season has already started, it's unlikely the NSW and Kangaroos star would be able to play for at least another 12 months.
Hayne assured supporters that should he return to the NRL, he will wearing blue and gold.
"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," Hayne said.
"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, and I’ve always been proud to pull on the Blue and Gold jersey with my teammates.
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."
Read the full letter here on the Parramatta Eels website.
Hayne fronted a press conference shortly after announcing his decision, claiming the transition wouldn't be plain sailing.
"It's a challenge. Life is a gamble. It isn't going to be easy. This isn't going to be an easy transition and this is why it has taken this long to happen.
"I think I'm done [with rugby league]. I think for myself and for the club I think it is appropriate to move on to a new chapter in my life.
"I feel like I have done everything in the game.
"I'll give myself 12 months. This time next year the NFL will be in-season and I'll know whether I'll be on a roster or not."
