Jarryd Hayne says he is prepared for the dark times, the tough days and the relentless toil, when his years as an NRL superstar are nothing but a memory and he is just another rookie fighting it out for a spot in America's biggest show of all - the NFL.
Hayne says he knows it will be tough, but it is a calling that has been nagging away at him for the last two years and it is one he can't ignore anymore.
But if, and it remains a big if, he is to enjoy the bright lights of the US's most popular sport, first he will have to slog it out alone and unknown, working harder than he ever had before, climbing his version of Mt Everest.
"I know there's going to be hard times ahead for myself," Hayne said.
"There's going to be dark days. There's going to be times when I'm over there, no friends, no family, and I'm going to have to find something ... passion, I know I've got that.
"I've got the motivation. I made a big decision. I realistically should have made it 12 months ago, but I guess I didn't have the courage to be able to do that."
Hayne said he had been overwhelmed by the support he had received since making the decision.
"My teammates, the majority of them are actually surprised that I did it," he said.
"But the boys are that excited for me.
"It's tough, but they know that if it is anyone who is going to make it, it will be me.
"I have been watching the game, playing it on PlayStation, talking with friends (and) the idea kept ticking over.
"The last two years it has become more of a mountain to climb, that is the best way to put it, I feel like I have done everything in rugby league and now is the time to move on."
With no contract in front of him, Hayne will base himself in LA and then attempt to make a train-on side.
"I think the easiest transition will be a punt returner or a kick returner," he said
"They're very similar to fullback, last man at the back, get the ball and try and run as far as you can, make as many yards as you can.
"The easiest transition is that. Ultimately, I think offence will probably be the easiest transition.
"But I'm not over there to play one position. I'm over there for the opportunity to play the game and wherever that may be, so be it."
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