Jarryd Hayne touches down in LA ready to kick-off NFL adventure

JARRYD Hayne has touched down in LA as he looks to make his dream of playing in the NFL a reality. The 26-year-old said arriving in the US made everything feel ‘more real’.

October 19th 2014 Picture Shows Aussie Rugby player Jarryd Hayne arriving at LAX to trey and play for the NFL

JARRYD Hayne proved he’s already an expert in one skill any NFL star must master — fronting massive media packs.

After a 20-hour flight spent reading NFL play books, Jarryd Hayne hit the ground running in Los Angeles.

The ex-NRL star touched down at LAX Airport with the waiting media descending immediately.

“What I do the next 24 or 48 hours will lay the foundation for what happens the next two or three weeks,” Hayne told the pack.

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Jarryd Hayne arriving at LAX to trey and play for the NFL. Pic Rupert Thorpe.

Jarryd Hayne was surrounded by media at LAX. Pic Rupert Thorpe

Excited passengers and onlookers wondered if he was a Hollywood celebrity, but were disappointed to hear he was an Australian footballer. He may be an unknown in the US for now, but Hayne said he was surprised and impressed with the support from people in Australia.

“It has really blown me away,” he said. “I never realised the reaction of the Australian public would be so generous. “I’m excited to venture on this journey, it’s going to be a tough road but I’m looking forward to it.”

Hayne will now cut back on media commitments and focus fully on his burning ambition — to succeed in the NFL.

Hayne was all smiles as he landed in the States Pic Rupert Thorpe

“Jarryd has arrived in LA and he is focused and excited,” said his father, Manoa Thompson, a former first grade star.

“He can be very single-minded and I know he will succeed at whatever he sets himself. He is very determined.

“No matter what happens, his family will always love and support him. Jarryd’s faith will always be there for him to get him through any tough times.”

Hayne declined to comment on reports he has had six NFL clubs interested in working him out and he had been invited to meet NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Jarryd Hayne stops with young fans at Sydney Airport before his departure from Australia. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“There’s a lot of speculation and I just want to remain focused on why I’m here,” he said.

One of the keys to Hayne’s plan will be signing with a US agent who can arrange workouts with NFL teams.

Hayne said he has a short-list, but his Australian manager Wayne Beavis was helping with that.

“We haven’t signed anything yet,” Hayne said.

“We definitely have a couple and my manager back in Australia wants to make sure he gets the right person to look after me.” A media pack of Australian reporters was waiting for Hayne when he touched down at the busy LA Airport.

Jarryd Hayne has his bags packed for his big move to NFL. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Hayne’s extended family turned out to sing him off from the country. Picture: Luke Fuda

Former NRL Parramatta Eels player Jarryd Hayne farewells his family and friends last night. Picture: Luke Fuda

Jarryd tucks into a cocktail on the Sydney-Honolulu-Los Angeles flight.