Intro:

Rugby league's Jarryd Hayne announces that he has agreed a rookie contract with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Jarryd Hayne, San Francisco 49ers player:

"2015, I'm going to be a San Francisco 49er.

"For me it was hard to keep it in and not tell friends and family, and still feels surreal. For me, this is a small step in the right direction. The hard stuff starts now and, when I get over there and start training, that's when it's business and that's when it's going to obviously going to take the big steps and the big boundaries and all the kit and kaboodle that comes with transitioning into an NFL player is going to happen.

"I want to thank Parramatta, (Parramatta coach) Brad (Arthur) and (CEO) Scott (Seward) for being so understanding, for this journey, and definitely for my team-mates as well, for them to understand and be very supportive and, especially the fans. So many great memories at Parramatta and, I know it's hard for them, as much as it was hard for me.