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Parramatta Eels superstar Jarryd Hayne has quit the NRL to trial in the NFL.
The Dally M winner in 2014 and 2009 is considered to be one of the best players in the NRL, and certainly one of the most physically gifted.
He will miss the Kangaroos Four Nations campaign, withdrawing from the squad he was expected to play a big part in last night.
Hayne released a statement, confirming his conditional release from the Eels.
“Today I can officially announce that I will be heading to the United States to pursue an opportunity to play American Football,” Hayne said.
“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 said he had been considering the move for two years, and had been taking it very seriously for the last 12 months.
He said he doesn’t have a contract in the competition yet, and will be targeting the 2015/16 season.
He also confirmed if he was unsuccessful, he will come back as a Parramatta player.
“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.”
An Eels stalwart, most expected Parramatta’s ‘major announcement’ this morning was going to be related to him signing a long-term deal.
Instead, it seems as though he has taken an offer to trial with at least one NFL club.
Hayne admits he’s at the bottom of the NFL mountain, and it’s a long way to the pinnacle of the sport.
“I’m about to take my step and go to America. I’m… giving myself the opportunity to climb a mountain I’m at the bottom of.”
Hayne was recently in the United States visiting Seattle and the Seahawks, but few suspected he would be spending more than just holiday time over there.
Previously linked with moves to the AFL, Hayne is one of the most marketable and valuable properties to the NRL. His departure would be a massive blow to the Eels and the NSW Blues, as well as the game.
He was crucial in the Blues first series victory over the Maroons in eight years in 2014, and led a rejuvenated Parramatta side in their journey up the ladder, winning the Dally M Medal alongside Johnathan Thurston.
In his statement, Hayne said it was a tough decision to leave the Eels.
“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.”
Hayne says that the move is the right call for him as an athlete.
“It’s the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life. I’m leaving my teammates, friends, and most importantly my family; but for me to grow as an athlete and a person I feel this is the right step to take.”
His departure follows the loss of Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess from the code, and will leave a huge hole in Parramatta’s line-up.
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