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:
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.
Sluggy
Roar Guru
Nah, it'll be Chris Hemsworth.
dropkick
Guest
W######g yanks ive heard for years saying these nfl guys better than rugby players but the chickens may have come home to roost now its mostly average players that have switched .imagine if lomu had gone hed have broken every recond in the sport i kinda wish he had to put them in the place they belong as just a hybrid of the game they play in heaven anyway If you play alone you dont know how big it is lol
Chris Love
Guest
There is absolutely no chance that Hayne clears waivers after the first two performances. Sure the 9ers may have 4 solid running backs and 5 wide receivers likely to be ahead of him in the RB ranks but there are plenty of teams that would pick him up for purely return duties alone. Hayne will not be on the 49ers practice squad this year.
Chris Love
Guest
There is absolutely 0% chance that Jarryd Hayne will end up on the 49ers practice squad. Aint going to happen.
Terry
Guest
they are now selling his jersey in the official 49'ers store........ done deal.
Brand New NFL expert
Guest
super, i know everything about the NFL and will comment all season
Radelaide
Guest
Well in the AFL we have May premiers, lol.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Bit harsh don't you think. Yanks are insular, but your comparison is a bit dodgy.
DaB0mB
Guest
Like NRL zealots?
SM
Guest
What exactly makes him/her an 'NFL zealot'?
ProfVonSchrodinger
Guest
Purposely disingenuous?
ProfVonSchrodinger
Guest
Thanks for that captain obvious and for also not getting the point. NFL zealots are like islamic fundamentalists in many ways, so extremely blinded by their own dogma and full of contempt for the "unbelievers".
piru
Guest
What skills does he possess that no other NFL player has? He's done well and I hope he makes (and I'm 99% sure he will make the squad) but let's not be silly.
piru
Guest
He won't end up on the practice squad, as other teams could then poach him (or so I understand) I don't think the 49ers would let that happen. It's funny you mention his style of running, it's that very thing that has stuffed him up a bit at RB - except when he runs to the edge where he has room to get to speed. RBs need to hit the inside gaps hard and low to avoid being knocked back or stopped dead, but there's no reason he can't learn to get low on the inside run and stretch out a bit at the edge and when returning kicks.
piru
Guest
Well an NFL squad has 53 players, a rugby side only 30 odd - not a lot of room for taking a punt
piru
Guest
except it was invented by Australians specifically for Hayne - it's not a thing
Rod
Guest
He just sold his house in Sydney. That could be purely a business decison based on market changes, or he doesn't expect to be coming back soon. He may be one of those guys like Tim Tebow who refuses to give up.
nerval
Guest
I love Hayne and hope that his style of running is not compromised to fit some American football coaching cliché - it has been wholly to his advantage when fielding kicks. I admit, that he has looked less assured at the running back position, However, if he doesn't make the cut and is not wanted by any other team - what happens then? Does anyone believe he would - or even should - settle for a spot on the practice squad? He's not some kid straight out of college with time on his hands, but a 27 year old in the prime of his life.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I think his lack of involvement against the Broncos was the best sign yet that he's made it. Usually when guys have done enough early on in pre season you hardly see them again. We're lucky Hayne is still learning the game which might've been the only reason we saw him in game 3.
Nate
Guest
Ngata only played rugby in high school though right? Admittedly winning a national championship but not like it was professional. His focus has been american football for many years now.