Jarryd Hayne quits NRL for NFL: Fans react with shock

RUGBY league fans across the country have taken to social media to express their shock at Jarryd Hayne’s decision to give up rugby league to try his hand in the NFL.

Parramatta Eels and rugby league fans were shocked to hear of Jarryd Hayne’s defection to NFL.

RUGBY league fans across the country have taken to social media to express their shock at Jarryd Hayne’s decision to give up rugby league to try his hand at NFL in the US.

Twitter immediately lit up after the revelation, with Hayne’s name trending worldwide and fans (and sceptics) quick to share their thought and feelings on the announcement.

Hayne, who also withdrew from the upcoming Four Nations tournament, confirmed the move in a letter to Parramatta fans this morning.

He said he was a big fan of the American sport and had been mulling a decision for a number of months.

“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,” he said in the letter.

The overwhelming response on Twitter was one of shock, with many league fans blindsided by the move. Many praised this year’s Dally M champion for having the guts to try something new, while others were less impressed with his decision to head overseas.

Holy sweet guacamole!!! Jarryd hayne quit the Eels to try the NFL...WOWWWWWWWW

— graeme (@graemeTO) October 15, 2014

Just peeped some of Jarryd Hayne's highlights, & dude is explosive.

— Yohannes Mathyas (@YNMJr) October 15, 2014

Jarryd Hayne quit the NRL to try out for the NFL?! To be honest with his skill set, he has a shot...

— C-Bu (@DJC_BU) October 15, 2014

Laurie Daley after hearing the Jarryd Hayne news. #NSW pic.twitter.com/rs56e8J6vZ

— Not Tim Sheens (@NotTimSheens) October 15, 2014

I still can't believe Jarryd Hayne quit NRL for NFL..

— SNOOP DONKEY ✊ (@c_tuilagi) October 15, 2014

Oh my god oh my god oh my god! Jarryd Hayne is going to the NFL!

— Blake (@AussiePhinatic) October 15, 2014

Jarryd Hayne is better than any athlete in the AFL Because unlike the shirt grabbers down south, Jarryd Hayne can actually tackle. #eels

— Orange (@orangeemptyseat) October 15, 2014

Wow that is massive for Jarryd Hayne... Smartest move ever

— Tommm (@did_you_tell) October 14, 2014

The Nrl has lost SBW, Sam Burgess & Jarryd Hayne in the one year. Thats like soccer losing Messi, Ronaldo and Suarez to Golf or something

— TheRealRyad (@TheRealRyad) October 14, 2014

Jarryd Hayne is quitting NRL for NFL? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

— Tali Aualiitia (@taliaualiitia) October 14, 2014

What... Jarryd Hayne quits #NRL to play #NFL instead...is it April 1 already? http://t.co/RgC5Vbe2ha

— John Price (@PriceyJohnDoe) October 14, 2014

The news ahout Jarryd Hayne is crazy! I can't believe it.

— Nina (@Najaj03) October 14, 2014

#NRL Jarryd Hayne....WOW! 😳😳 Gotta feel for Eels fans and NSW fans to be honest but I wish him well with his NFL aspirations

— Keith Arnold (@rassy28_k) October 14, 2014

Not sure how successful she’ll be, but one student on Twitter is hoping this shocking news will be enough to get earn her some leniancy from her teachers.

"assignment extension excuse - Jarryd Hayne left NRL and I need time to deal with it" 😂😂😂😭😭😭

— crystal♡ (@CrystalNorford) October 15, 2014

Hayne was instrumental in this year’s NSW victory over Queensland in the State of Origin, so this morning’s announcement was good news for those north of the border.

There's only one word to say regarding Jarryd Hayne leaving the NRL for the NFL. And that word my friends is: "QUEENSLANDER!!!" #1yearNSW

— Julian Wilcox (@julianwilcox) October 14, 2014

And he's outta here! Jarryd Hayne leaving NRL and rugby league is bad news for the sport but good news for Queensland fans!

— Richard (@rpenners1) October 14, 2014

The move from NRL to NFL is a big one and some fans aren’t convinced the speedster has what it takes to make it in gridiron.

Jarryd Hayne has literally zero chance at doing anything relevant for an NFL team. He'll be back in the #nrl next season.

— Blair (@blazza18) October 14, 2014

#NFL For a guy who forgot his boots on grand final day Jarryd Hayne wont make it in the absolute pressure cooker of the NFL #wastingtime

— NMGSports (@NMGSports) October 15, 2014

Hasn't Jarryd Hayne got as much chance of becoming a Hollywood actor than an NFL player?! He doesn't have a contract, does he? #NRL

— Mark Ludlow (@M_Ludlow) October 15, 2014

“I don’t like Hayne because I think his ego is too big and he only puts in 100% half the time.

“But why (are) so many people bagging his decision? Sad that so many people want to rip him down for taking a chance,” Daily Telegraph reader Adrian wrote.”