JARRYD Hayne has expressed his gratitude to all his supporters who have backed his move to the United States to pursue his NFL dream.

“Overwhelmed the amount of support I’ve received. Can not begin to thank every1 for the messages of support both personal n on social media,” Hayne tweeted to his followers on Wednesday night.

It follows a monumental day for Hayne who shocked the rugby league world with his bombshell announcement that he was quitting rugby league, effective immediately.

His decision has sent the NRL into a tailspin with the decision meaning that Hayne was also withdrawing from the Kangaroos for the upcoming Four Nations and the likely prospect that we will never see the two-time Dally M winner in the game again.

The NRL were prepared to open the purse strings to keep Hayne but NRL CEO’s Dave Smith attempts were rejected.

Overwhelmed the amount of support I've received. Can not begin to thank every1 for the messages of support both personal n on social media. — jarryd hayne (@jarrydhayne_1) October 15, 2014

At today’s media conference an emotional Hayne said he had thought about quitting for the last two years and wanted to make the switch 12 months ago but that he “lacked the courage” and felt he owed the Eels one more season after they finished with the wooden spoon in 2013.

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“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,” Hayne told a packed media conference at Parramatta Leagues Club.

media_camera Jarryd Hayne in tears as he announces he is quitting NRL to play NFL during a press conference at Parramatta League’s Club. Picture Gregg Porteous

media_camera Jarryd Hayne following his press conference at Parramatta Leagues Club. .Picture Gregg Porteous

“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 added: “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.

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“I am passionate about the challenge that lies ahead as an athlete and as a person, it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life,” Hayne said.

“I’m so passionate about the challenge that lies ahead for me, not only as an athlete but more so as a person.

Chase those dreams my bro @jarrydhayne_1 👏👏✊✊ — Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) October 15, 2014

“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.

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“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.

“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.”

“Emotion was keeping me in rugby league, I didn’t feel like it was challenging in the way I need to be challenged.”

Hayne said it was a 12-month plan but believed he had the potential to earn a contract with a club and live out his dream.

“I believe have the talent, I believe I have the speed, I’m a quick learner … I have no doubts it’s going to be tough,”

Hayne said he was leaving despite the lure of becoming the highest paid player in the NRL on his next contract.

“I’m a kid from Minto and my whole dream was to buy my mum a house and I did that and I guess everything else has been a bonus,” Hayne said.

“The journey of going over there and having a crack in the NFL is far greater than anything here.”

media_camera Laurie Daley says Jarryd Hayne is one of the best to ever pull on a Blues jersey. Picture Gregg Porteous

NRL CEO Dave Smith said he would have been happy to use his marquee player discretion to try to keep Hayne in the NRL.

“In fact, I was in contact with Jarryd, his manager and the Eels management last night and this morning to see if there was anything we could do to keep him in the game.

“But Jarryd has a dream and he deserves the chance to pursue that dream.

“He is a gifted athlete who has been a wonderful asset for Rugby League and we wish him well in his next challenge.”

Smith said he was confident in the next generation coming through to replace those superstars leaving the game.

“One of the great things about the NRL is that there is always exciting new talent coming through the ranks to become the superstars of the future.”

media_camera Another Jarryd Hayne four-pointer. Pic. Phil Hillyard

Blues coach Laurie Daley said Hayne held a special place in the hearts of New South Wales fans and was one of the best to pull on the jumper.

“Jarryd’s decision is obviously a blow but as he said he’s not ruling out a return and hopefully one day he’ll be back in Blue too,” said Daley.

“He’s a tremendous athlete and will be remembered by Blues fans as one of the best to pull on a New South Wales jumper in State of Origin. We thank him for his contribution to the VB Blues and wish him all the best because in his new career he will also be an ambassador for rugby league.

“NFL fans will want to see where Jarryd’s come from and that means interest in State of Origin can only grow.”

Earlier, in a statement released on the Parramatta website Hayne went into the details behind his decision.

media_camera Parramatta Eels star Jarryd Hayne ready to take the step into the NFL.

“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,” the statement read.

“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 to the club and the way we finished the season. I felt I owed the Club one more year and I gave it everything I could.

“You’re kidding me. That’s news to me. I’m shocked he didn’t say anything.”

Tim Sheens

“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.”

His move is a major blow to the NRL following the loss of Sam Burgess and Sonny Bill Williams.

It is understood Parramatta was only informed of his decision last night.

Hayne was recently in the United States to look at NFL facilities at the Seatlle Seahawks on a study trip with the Eels

He returned home on the day of the Dally M Awards.

The Daily Telegraph informed Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens of the decision this morning.

“You’re kidding me,” said coach Tim Sheens.

“That’s news to me. I’m shocked he didn’t say anything.”

Only last week Hayne denied the move to The Daily Telegraph’s Matty Johns.

“I was interviewing Jarryd on radio,” Johns said, “and he kept saying NFL instead of NRL.

“I asked him about rumour he’d been trialling in Seattle but he denied it and said he was just checking out facilities.

“Good luck to him — I hope it goes well.”

Leaving Seattle with such great memories. thank you to every1 who mad the trip great :) #Huskies #Seahawks #serevi #god 👌 ✈️ — jarryd hayne (@jarrydhayne_1) September 24, 2014

On a visit to Australia in June, Detroit Lions star Reggie Bush said Hayne could play in the NFL “tomorrow” if he chose to switch codes.

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“He actually looks like an NFL running back. Looks like he could come play with us tomorrow.”

Hayne has studied running back Bush’s game to improve his own form at the Eels.

“He’s fast, strong and … wow! Look at that hit. That’s an NFL football hit. I like this guy,” Bush said when shown a highlights reel.

media_camera Jarryd Hayne having won his second Dally M award alongside Johnathan Thurston.

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