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.
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?
joe b
Guest
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Worlds Biggest
Guest
As a Niners fan I'd love him on the team but early days yet. I think his best shot is as a punt / kick returner backing up Bruce Ellington. To make it as a running back will be a real stretch, the Niners have 6 or 7 on the roster. It was a nice debut and hopefully that stands him in good stead to make the roster. His other opportunity on Special Teams could be as a down field gunner.
jameswm
Guest
Surely if they don't pick him up someone else will.
Slim
Guest
His running and anticipation looks good. He could use more tatts and some slang and he might just get over the line.
BigAl
Guest
Already, plenty of Polynesians have been through the NFL.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Still too early to tell, but that game will put him in good stead.
AussieBokkie
Guest
He can absolutely make it and deserves to. He's a supreme athlete and has the requisites traits to succeed. He looks to be the real deal at kick and punt returner and any NFL club would love to have him as their fifth-string running back. So excited to have Hayne in my Niners team -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
BennO
Guest
I think you're forgetting the hype around the Monstar when he was drafted by the hawks. He's already made it and only hasn't played because of his horror run with injuries and now his kidney. Hayne deserves all the hype he's getting because he's coming in cold. Jesse was a college champion. And at Alabama no less.
Gav
Guest
Tigrinya, they already know about them. 6 rugby players have been drafted in the last 4 years. They're always looking. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
tony
Guest
Can you get over this Hayne hype please there is another guy battling away with a harder road to plow but for some reason you dont want to give him any hype why is this ? He has come back from 2 injuries, bad health & an major operation to take to the field this season.....Oh sorry you don't know this Aussie guy ? His name is Jesse Williams....
Tigranes
Guest
I reckon Hayne will make the 53-man roster for the 49ers. But I reckon that in the long run league and union will regret this, as NFL clubs may well end up scouting promising players - there are a stack of blokes running around rugby fields in the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and South Africa who could perform in the NFL.
ProfVonSchrodinger
Guest
Seems like being a very good athlete is the only real prerequisite in making it at this sport, there doesn't seem to be any discernible skill requiring training and honing from youth to be able to adapt and succeed in this game.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
He probably will, but still a bit early to be sure. There are already contenders from other teams going down with injury, so if not at the 49ers, he will probably pick up a contract somewhere. His opponents, The Texans lost their No1 running back 2 weeks ago...they will be looking to pick a free agent up.
Griffo
Guest
Given that he's still fairly new to the game, not having played it all through his teenage years, and that he is making an impact in practice games i'd say that they will probably pick him for the roster because they will gamble on him improving with more time.
Gav
Guest
If a fringe Super Rugby squad member from the Bulls could do it and Hayden Smith did I see no reason why Hayne won't. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Gav
Guest
If a fringe player from the Bulls in Super Rugby can and Hayden Smith made a roster I think it's safe to think Hayne will. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Jamieson Murphy
Roar Guru
He looked right at home returning those kicks. A few more pre-season games and a few more weeks of training and it's not outrageous to think he could be a contender for the 49ers punt/kick returner.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Yes. As a lot of people said at the time... look at what he does on a rugby league field and then imagine what he would do if he had blockers!! First outing and his making headlines in the NFL world - still a lot for him to learn and a long way to go but I think he will survive the cut and make the 49ers squad.