TWO-TIME AUSTRALIAN rugby league player of the year Jarryd Hayne has decided to quit the sport for a chance to play in the NFL in 2015.

The 26-year old recently spent time with the Super Bowl winning Seattle Seahawks and the move has been described as one of the biggest shocks to hit Australian sport.

“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,” he told the Associated Press.

Hayne sees himself as a kick-returner but his size (6’2″ and 220 lbs) means that NFL teams could try him as a tight end.

Hayden Smith was the last rugby player to make the move to American football but the Saracens lock played just five games with the New York Jets, making one catch for 16 yards before returning to ruby union.

Here’s how Hayne compares with Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush:

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