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.
da plane
Guest
Maybe he will be the kicker in NFL like Mark Harris was being the last RL player to Player American Football. Of course just imagine if he does make it man there will hundreds of NFL scouts down under as they call it trying to sign NRL players. If he does make it and your were an NFL scout what others players would you be wanting to sign???
Gary John Lorenz
Guest
What does both former/ex (AFL) players are (1) Saverio Rocca of both North Melbourne Kangaroos & Collingwood (Maggies) Magpies in (AFL) (2) Anthony Rocca the brother of Saverio of both Sydney Swans (Swannies) & Collingwood (Maggies) Magpies in (AFL) (3) Ben Graham of Geelong Cats in (AFL) (4) Darren Bennett of West Coast Eagles in the (AFL) (5) Nathan Chapman who played for Brisbane Bears & Brisbane Lions & Hawthorn Hawks (6) Chris Bryan played for Carlton Blues & Collingwood Magpies in the (AFL) & also one former/ex Australian Rugby Union player is Colin Scotts of The Sydney Scots College & also an Australian Schoolboy Rugby Union Representive as well too of the 1980s all do have in common (?) There all made it very big time into the (NFL) Competition. I do believe that Jarryd Hayne of Parramatta Eels of the (NRL) can make it awell too. Jarryd Hayne sure can learn alot from these Aussies Patriotics of what American Gridiron Football is really all about from transition of the (NRL) to the (NFL). If (1) NRL player can make it into the (NFL) then there would or could possibly that other (NRL) players could follow too of what Jarryd Hayne is doing as well too. But it boils down to big bucks as in money to earn per game or per season in the (NFL) Competition.
Gary John Lorenz
Guest
I wish Jarryd Hayne all the best in his endeavors in his new dream to play the (NFL) (National Football League). I was looking at Australians in American Football on Wikipedia & there's a number of Former/Ex (AFL) Australian Football League Players are playing the (NFL) in Gridiron American Football are (1) Saverio Rocca of both North Melbourne Kangaroos & Collingwood (Maggies) Magpies in (AFL) (2) Anthony Rocca the brother of Saverio of both Sydney Swans (Swannies) & Collingwood (Maggies) Magpies in (AFL) (3) Ben Graham of Geelong Cats in (AFL) (4) Darren Bennett of West Coast Eagles in the (AFL) (5) Nathan Chapman who played for Brisbane Bears & Brisbane Lions & Hawthorn Hawks (6) Chris Bryan played for Carlton Blues & Collingwood Magpies in the (AFL) (1) Former/Ex Australian Rugby Union Player who is playing the (NFL) Gridiron American Football is Colin Scotts who played for The Scots College in Sydney in Rugby Union in the 1980s. Also check out List of players who have converted from one football code to another by Wikipedia as well too of every football code of the world. If both Rugby Union & (AFL) Player can make it the (NFL) National Football League then I don't see why not & also don't have a problem with (NRL) National Ruby League Player/s can make into (NFL) National Football League as well too. Jarryd Hayne from Parramatta Eels of the (NRL) can be as good as both Saverio & Anthony Rocca Brothers, Darren Bennett, Chris Bryan & Ben Graham & Colin Scotts. If these Australians can make it very big in the (NFL) then Jarryd Hayne can make it too. Good on you Jarryd to follow your dreams to become another Aussie playing the Gridiron Football. I think he would be the very first (NRL) National Rugby League Player to play the (NFL) Competition. Very Good Luck Jarryd in your new (NFL) Career.
BlakeW
Guest
Nice one, thanks Chop. Still interesting that Hayne hasn't been called a "traitor" or anything similar for his departure....
GoGWS
Roar Guru
Mate I was responding to your learned friend who says that AFL players merely offer punting skills, and I think it's a fair point to make that at least they make actually it on to NFL teams and play games. Ex-AFL players, and aussie rules players who never made the AFL, have actually played NFL games. When was the last RL or NRL player to have played an NFL game? Are there any? So when you're going to attempt to run down AFL players as mere punters, as you friend did, don;t you think it's a little bit rich to do that when no NRL or RL player has ever played in the NRL. Just sayin'..
mushi
Guest
So looking at it on a 420k base salary the effective income tax rate is about 1-12% depending on state and without looking at deductions
cedric
Guest
by the time Hayne has taken half a dozen steps Reggie would be at the 50 metre line!!!!! Lynch is one of Seahawks running backs, he's one of the best! Good luck to Jared!
The Barry
Roar Guru
If fountain come thru with a third party deal...
The Barry
Roar Guru
Mushi - that's the absolute key to all this. He can have all the physical attributes in the world. He can learn the massive play books inside out. But he won't have that natural instinct to react to how situations unfold in front of him, to react to body language that only comes with years of playing a game.
teeto santana
Guest
"Training in the NFL through UTS" ? You need to check the accuracy of that statement ;)
teeto santana
Guest
Exactly - you get less time in NFL because the moment the ball is snapped, everyone does their job in the space of 2- 7 seconds . You run a wrong route, have your foot in the wrong place, let yo uman beat you etc you are toast. as a WR you need to be able to step around your man without a ball- even if you aren't getting the ball. The NFL is such an amazing and intricate game that people don't reallly understand. It really is the best of the best of the best in there, its goign to be super tough for him - but I really do wish him well.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Yes, you are right ,but maybe he's not that bright.
Kilbongteb
Guest
Josh Hoffman a class above hoppa?? Do actually watch footy...
The Barry
Roar Guru
This is the most exciting rugby league news in a long time. Shame to see him go...genuinely feel for Eels fans. Hopefully we get regular and accurate news on how he's going. Good on him for having a crack...as unlikely as it may be...how good would it be if he made it?
buster
Guest
During 2011 when B.Stewart wad out and Hoppa was filling in I was content that Manly wouldn't skip a beat if Hoppa filled in permanently. Hoppa was always a FB before he came into grade and his games at FB in grade were very impressive. I think Parra would be doing themselves a big favour letting Hoppa get re accustomed to FB
Knightblues
Guest
Just dumb, he has walked out on 1.5 million a year to chase a dream at the age of 28 in which he will fail at, stupid Jarryd Hayne
mushi
Guest
I take it you are being sarcastic or failed math in grade 2?
AR
Guest
Mat McBriar seemed to do pretty well out of UH.
Dan
Guest
With his charisma and Australian accent in the states, the money he could potentially make would be infinitely more than he makes now. Having said that, he is foregoing a year of his career, and would have made about $10m in salary and sponsorship over the next 5 years. People complain that players are in it for the money, will this is a guy taking a $10m gamble to test himself.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
I hate it when my jaw is in a stiff oval position! BTW, love the new profile pic.