Jarryd Hayne’s incredible NFL story continues to unfold after the former NRL star once again became the centre of attention in the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason home opener win against the Dallas Cowboys.
After announcing in October last year that he would be quitting the NRL to chase his dream in the NFL he has quickly become the most talked about sporting story in recent months
Having made an explosive start in his debut game last week against the Houston Texans, Hayne again starred for the 49ers, reeling off three superb punt returns for 84 yards, eight carries for 54 yards and 11 defenders beaten.
He spent time in his second pre-season game as a punt returner, running back and even joined the special teams, but it was his 34 yard gain from running back that caught the eye of the commentators with one labelling the Jarryd Hayne story as the story of the pre-season.
“We have all watched a lot of professional football this year,” the commentator said. “I will say it right now. This is the story of the pre-season in Pro Football.”
The Hayne story has caught the eye of many of the Bulldogs players and aren’t they impressed.
“It’s awesome to watch,” said Brett Morris. “I think he is doing a lot of Australians proud and obviously a lot of guys that played with him are over the moon.”
“I wasn’t sure how it was going to go down, but to see what he is doing is fantastic,” added Sam Perrett.
Half-back Trent Hodkinson simply labelled Hayne a freak!
“Anything he picks up, any type of sport he is a freak. I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes.”
After impressing in his debut a week ago, the NFL, have quickly become aware of the athletes we have in the NRL and while we have seen NRL players leave and make the transition to AFL or Rugby Union, making a 53 man roster in the NFL is foreign territory for rugby league players, but Brett Morris believes a number of players could make the transition, pointing out Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is the standout.
“There’s probably a few, but personally I think Sheck from the Roosters with his footwork, his amazing talent and I think if the NFL scouts saw him play they would probably give him a start,” Morris added.
“There are so many great athletes in our game and I think now the NFL will probably have look at the competition. It has definitely put Australia on the map.”
Hayne’s dream to play American Football and feature in San Francisco’s 53-man squad is quickly becoming more and more likely.
