NRL superstar Jarryd Hayne is sensationally quitting the Parramatta Eels to chase an NFL dream, but he doesn’t even have a contract yet.

In fact, he says he hasn’t even spoken to any NFL teams.

Despite rumours one of the biggest names in rugby league had joined the Seattle Seahawks, Hayne revealed that was far from the truth and he plans to head to the US as a free agent.

“I was just about to become the highest paid player in the NRL,” a teary-eyed Hayne told a packed press conference.

“But I’m a kid from Minto. My dream was to buy my mum a house and I did that.

“Everything else is a bonus.

“This isn’t going to be an easy transition.

“Emotion was keeping me in league. I didn’t feel like it was challenging me in the way I’ll now be challenged.”

MORE: Five burning questions about Hayne’s NFL move

Putting Hayne’s task ahead into perspective, Australia’s former NFL punter Ben Graham said there was a “hell of a lot of work to do”.

“There are thousands upon thousands of athletes in America who want to play in the NFL,” Graham told Fox Sports News.

Hayne said he had a 12-month plan to make it in the NFL, but Graham predicted it would take closer to two years.

But in a more positive sign, Graham said the 26-year-old’s age was not a problem.

“He’s not too old at all,” he said.

Hayne said repeatedly that he didn’t want to live in regret.

“I never want to limit myself out there. I want to give myself every opportunity to climb a mountain from the bottom.

“I feel like I’ve done everything in rugby league.

“It’s a huge challenge and I’m excited. It’s been in my heart for so long and that’s why it’s something I have to do.

“I’m under no illusion. It’s going to be tough. I’m risking a lot. Putting a lot on the line. But if there’s no risk, there’s no reward.

“I’m doing something that’s never been done before.”

MORE: JARRYD HAYNE’S LETTER TO EELS FANS

Hayne has accepted a conditional release from his NRL contract with Parramatta but has agreed to a lifetime deal with the club so that, should he return, it will be to the Eels.

But Hayne was adamant: “I’m done (with rugby league). We need to move on,” he said.

According to The Daily Telegraph, which broke the story, the Eels were only informed of his decision last night.

Last month, Hayne travelled to the US for a meeting with Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks.

Will Jarryd Hayne be able to make the transition from NRL to NFL? Vote in the poll below

Huge News on Hayne! Good luck bro!👍 #DreamBig — Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) October 14, 2014

Takes some balls to do what @jarrydhayne_1 is doing so much respect for him,of course there's gonna b haters but...who cares do what u want — Willie Mason (@mase21) October 15, 2014

Ironically, Hayne was due to join the Eels on a prearranged trip to the US this month but decided to leave earlier because it would have clashed with the Four Nations, which he has now withdrawn from.

He asked Eels CEO Scott Seward if he could go on his own in September and the club obliged.

“Jarryd approached the club and said he didn’t want to miss out. It was pretty hectic, but luckily we had the contacts and that came into play,” Seward said in September.

“He wants to go over there, see what they have to offer and be in peak condition for the Four Nations tournament.”

Hayne also penned a letter to Parramatta fans, explaining his decision.

“Dear Blue and Gold Army,” Hayne began.

“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.

“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.

Well that solves @TheParraEels salary cap headache. Mitchell Allgood can stay put now. — Josh Massoud (@josh_massoud) October 14, 2014

Hayne indicated he actually stalled his move to the US by one year already.

“The reason I didn’t make this decision any earlier was because of the part I played in getting Eels coach Brad [Arthur] 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.

“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.

“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. 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.

“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.

“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 leaving knowing that I have signed a ‘lifetime agreement’ with the Eels, so if I return to the NRL, it will be to Parramatta.

“I’m grateful to all of you for the support you’ve shown me at this club, thank you.”

Since returning to Australia, Hayne had been tweeting a lot about the Dallas Cowboys.