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Jarryd Hayne went one step closer to his dream of becoming an NFL player on Tuesday morning, with news he had survived the San Francisco 49ers’ initial cull of 14 players as the roster was cut to 75 men ahead of their final preseason match against the San Diego Chargers.
Hayne surviving this initial cut came as no surprise, following his impressive performances against the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys in the past fortnight.
But with an additional 22 players still needing to be cut before the regular season commences, doubt still surrounds Hayne’s future, especially following a less-than-dominant display against the Denver Broncos.
However, as word of his survival on the 75-man roster emerged, rumours have also begun to circulate that Hayne has already been informed that he will be on the 53-man roster, to be announced following the match against the Chargers.
The rumour began circulating on social media on Tuesday morning:
BREAKING BIG SCOOP…Jarryd Hayne has told family and friends he's in 53 man roster with @49ers
— The Mole (@RLW_Mole) August 31, 2015
49ers’ coach Jim Tomsula has also given another strong indication that Hayne will make the final cut on September 5.
“I’m pretty confident in Jarryd’s ability to field the ball,” Tomsula said.
“I’ve watched a ton of tape of him fielding a rugby ball. I’ve seen him in practice, and in game situations.
“I feel very good about his ability to field.
“I feel good about his ability to perform with ball in his hands on special teams. The tackling, coverage part, I’ve seen lot of improvement. I’ve seen what I need to see. There’s been a great evaluation on him.”
The final cull of 22 players will be announced at 4pm (AEST) on Saturday, September 5.
Hayne’s story has captured the imagination of the Australian and US public. From curiosity initially, it is now one of genuine belief, as people have seen what he can do with ball in hand.
It’s now up to Hayne’s work ethic, but if he’s already on the roster, then that certainly is big news for Jarryd.
What do you think? Is Jarryd Hayne a shoe-in for a spot on the 49ers’ 53-man roster? Let us know in the comments below.
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