Former NRL, NFL and Fijian 7s star Jarryd Hayne has jumped at the opportunity to fill Nick Kyrgios’s spot on the Australian Olympic tennis team, saying it was a chance to pursue his lifelong dream.

“Playing for the Parramatta Eels, playing for the San Francisco 49ers, playing for Fiji – all of this was just a stepping stone to going out on court in the men’s singles, and possibly the mixed doubles, in Rio 2016,” Hayne said.

The running back said he was ready to prove himself on the court. “I’ve never played tennis before, but I think my ability to crash through tackles and execute those quick breaks will put me in good stead out there on the court”.

The fullback said he had always dreamt of slotting a forehand winner past Roger Federer to take out gold for Australia. “It’s been my lifelong dream ever since Nick Kyrgios pulled out this morning. I’ve worked for this. I’m ready for this. I just hope the selectors put their faith in me”.

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