Full-back Jarryd Hayne quits Parramatta Eels to chase his dream of playing in NFL

Australia full-back Jarryd Hayne has shocked the rugby league world by quitting his club Parramatta Eels to chase his dream of playing in the NFL.

The news comes just two weeks after he was voted as the best player in the National Rugby League for the second time and a day after being selected for the Kangaroos' Four Nations squad.

"Today I can officially announce that I will be heading to the United States to pursue an opportunity to play American football," said Hayne, who has been part of the Parramatta club since he was 13. "I'll be a free agent.  It will give me the opportunity to go over there and train and potentially, hopefully, play NFL one day."

"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," he said.

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 so passionate about the challenge that lies ahead for me, not only as an athlete but more so as a person. It's the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life ... but for me to grow as an athlete and a person I feel this is the right step to take."

Belief

The 26-year-old was reported to have met with Seattle Seahawks team officials recently and Hayne, who is renowned for his acceleration, believes he has the skills to make it as either a punt returner or kick returner in time for the 2015 NFL season.

"I believe I have the speed, I'm a quick learner, I feel things out really quickly," he said.

"I have no doubt it's going to be tough. Ultimately it's a 12-month plan, going over there and trying to make a train-on team. For me to do that I need to start preparing for that around January or February."

Hayne also admitted that if he was unsuccessful in his bid to break into the NFL, he would rejoin Parramatta.