Rugby league star Jarryd Hayne quits to chase NFL dream

Hayne, 26, is an Australia representative and was a joint Dally M Medal winner this year " winning the NRL's highest individual award for a second time.

He spent time in the United States last month, visiting reigning Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks, and has withdrawn from Australia's Four Nations squad.

In a statement addressed to fans published on the Eels' website on Wednesday, Hayne " who has been with the club since 2006 " said the time was right to chase his dream.

"For the past 24 months I've been thinking about having a crack in the NFL, and over the last 12 months I've been seriously considering it," Hayne wrote.

"Today I can officially announce that I will be heading to the United States to pursue an opportunity to play American football.

"I will be withdrawing from the Kangaroos' Four Nations side immediately, and accepting a conditional release from the Eels to make the move overseas.

"The reason I didn't make this decision any earlier was because of the part I played in getting Brad [coach Brad Arthur] to the club [Parramatta] and the way we finished the season. I felt I owed the club one more year and I gave it everything I could.

"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.

"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."

Hayne said it had been a difficult decision to make, and promised if he ever returned to the NRL " it would be to the Eels.