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Jarryd Hayne turned the heads of spectators and defensive linesmen alike when he made a 53-yard run against the Houston Texans.
But there was more to it than just that run, including a few kick returns that were well worth watching.
That’s not to mention that the running back also had four other carries for a total of ten yards, which isn’t too shabby.
His first touch of the football resulted in a two-yard gain close to his own end zone. His second was the now famous 53-yard run, in which he capitalised on a great block before stepping the safety and hurtling downfield.
Only a stumble due to an outstretched arm cost him an opportunity to run at the end zone. The 49ers scored on the very next play.
A punt return for 11 yards was the next time Hayne had his hands on the ball, which is really neither a tick or a cross.
His next two involvements both earned San Francisco a first down – a four and three-yard gain seeing the Niners continue their drive. That’s encouraging from a running back.
A one yard gain, then a 13-yard kick return followed.
The one true blemish on his game came next, when he was smashed after receiving a pass from backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert. A linebacker had him lined up before he received it, and the pass was ruled incomplete despite Hayne appearing to grab the ball cleanly.
It’s up for debate, but at the very least Hayne got a little lucky not to turn the ball over through a fumble ruling.
Experts continue to argue that Hayne is unlikely to see a contract based solely on being a fourth-string running back for the Niners, so his punt and kick returning skills were under scrutiny in this contest.
Two decent gains and a 26-yard run down the right side were possibly even more important to his chances than the 53-yard effort from running back.
The first of the 26-yarders came off the kickoff to the second half, in which Hayne beat a few defenders in true rugby league fashion before succumbing.
So, what to make of the showing? Experts, probably rightly so, are still wary. But some writers have said that another performance like that could seal the deal.
If Hayne makes a couple more plays like he did tonight, there'll be no doubt. https://t.co/4c3pd4svfV
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) August 16, 2015
The odds with Aussie bookmaker CrownBet for him to play in the NFL this season have been slashed from $3.85 last week to $1.50 now.
So, we put the question to you Roarers: is Jarryd Hayne ready to take a spot in the 49ers squad?
Vote in our poll: Will Jarryd Hayne make it into the Niners squad?
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