The joint-best player in rugby league, Jarryd Hayne has announced he's quitting the code to trial for the NFL in the US.
Hayne, 26, fresh off claiming the sport's best and fairest award shocked the rugby league community by informing coaches and management he'd be leaving the game.
"It's always been my dream of playing in the NFL and at my age, this is my one and only chance at having a crack," he told a press conference of shocked rugby league reporters.
Hayne also stopped several times and was overcome with tears when discussing his journey from living in housing commission in western Sydney to the pinnacle of rugby league.
"My dream was to buy my Mum a house. I've done that."
Former AFL player Ben Graham who made the successful switch to the NFL questioned of Hayne's decision.
Interesting to follow the progress of @jarrydhayne_1 into the NFL after his shock decision to quit the NRL. Not sure about the timing
But the rugby league community was overwhelmingly supportive.
They (league stories) don't get any bigger When the games best player leaves sure there's a void but as a dad its great to see dreams chased
Wow! Big news! @jarrydhayne_1 going to the NFL. Hats off to him, such a courageous move. Good luck Jarryd
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
Is the @jarrydhayne_1 thing true?? Sucks for parra but madd if he cracks it!! #NFLDREAMS
According to some there were rumors about Hayne's switch just weeks ago.
@BuzzRothfield @telegraph_sport what the fudge? @TripleM_NRL supergrass broke this news a couple weeks ago. Hayne laughed it off!
The 26-year-old is a well known follower of American sport and as early as yesterday was tweeting along to the Dallas Cowboys game.
Hayne also travelled to the US last month where he posed multiple times in a Seattles Seahawks jersey.
And was toured around the Seattle grounds of the team by management.
Hayne becomes the third big name player to exit the rugby league this season, with both Sam Burgess and Sonny Bill Williams making the switch to rugby union.
He told the press conference, there's no truth to the rumors he'd be joining the Seattle Seahawks and would give himself 12 months to become (most likely) a punt returner.
