Jarryd Hayne’s return to the NRL has been confirmed — but it won’t be with Parramatta.

The 28-year-old, who previously said if he returned to rugby league it would be with the Eels, was unveiled as a shock signing with the Gold Coast Titans on Wednesday morning.

Hayne will become the richest player in the history of the NRL after signing a two-year deal worth a reported $2.4 million.

And, because Hayne wasn’t registered with another NRL club this season, he is available to play instantly, meaning he is set to debut for the Titans against the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.

Flanked by Gold Coast chief executive Graham Annesley and coach Neil Henry at a press conference, Hayne said he did want to sign for Parramatta, but the club’s dishevelled state meant it was not possible.

Parramatta, heavily punished for cheating the salary cap, has been dogged by off-field issues in 2016.

“I always wanted to go back to ‘Parra’. I was waiting, I was waiting, I was waiting,” Hayne said.

“I’ve been back from Fiji for over a month and I would ask my manager, ‘Where is Parra’s offer?’

“There was speculation they tabled an offer, but none of that got brought to me. It was disappointing.

Hayne in his Parramatta days. Photo: Getty

“It’s tough — the CEO is away, most staff were sacked, Brad [Arthur] is the coach, he’s not a guy that is meant to be doing the contract.

“At the end of the day, I had to make a decision and it’s torn me apart. It was tough emotionally, but I think deep down it’s the right one.

“[Gold Coast have a] great roster, great coach, great people. [I am] very honoured and blessed to be up here.”

Hayne, who acknowledged he would be criticised for his decision, said his last 18 months — which have included a stint in the NFL and a failed bid to play for Fiji in the Rugby Sevens at the Rio Olympics — were a “great journey”, which he “wouldn’t change for the world”.

But he added he is looking forward to settling down — and believes he can get back to his dazzling best.

Hayne, arguably the game’s best player before he left, has not played NRL since the 2014 season.

“I think that was the biggest thing, just being able to be settled,” he added.

“I think being able to be settled and in an environment where I can really focus on my footy … [I want to] play footy and put 100 per cent into that.

Hayne’s return is a boost for NSW’s State of Origin hopes. Photo: Getty

“The first couple of games — it’s about getting back into it and getting the feel for the game again, that’s the biggest thing.

“You know, after that, the sky’s the limit. I feel great, I feel I’m in good shape.

“What got me [to the top] was hard work and working hard and training. That’s what I’m focused on and the rest will look after itself.”

Hayne, who expressed his desire to see the Eels fix their off-field mess, will be a “big part” of the Titans according to coach Henry.

“It’s huge for the club and our fans,” Henry said when asked to reflect on Hayne’s signature.

“It’s a bit of a rush at the moment.

“As we have seen, he has been able to adapt to the environment of the NFL and cut it over there, something that’s uncharted territory for league players.

“He is still in his prime. I know the boys will welcome him with open arms.”

Hayne quit Parramatta at the end of the 2014 season to pursue a career in the NFL.

Hayne’s Rugby Sevens stint was a brief one. Photo: Getty

He played eight matches for the San Francisco 49ers before retiring to try his hand at Rugby Sevens.

Hayne did not make Fiji’s squad for the Rio Games, though, paving the way for his return to the NRL.

The Titans sit seventh on the NRL ladder and played brilliantly in an 18-18 draw with table-toppers Cronulla on Monday.