Jarryd Hayne has been selected among the 46 players names for the San Francisco’s opening game against the Minnesota Vikings.
It will be his debut in the NFL, just ten months after he made the remarkable decision to leave the Parramatta Eels to pursue a career in American football.
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There has been plenty of speculation about whether the Australian star, who lit up the pre-season with his footwork and speed, would get a start for the Niners in their first match.
He made several charges from the running back position of over 20 yards, while also displaying dazzling stepping ability when returning kicks and punts.
Hayne was kept in the dark about the decision right up until the day the team was named.
Many predicted 49ers coach Jim Tomsula would want to have Hayne sit on the bench for at least a few games to adjust to the speed of first-team football, but it appears he has enough faith in the former league star to throw him into the fray straight away.
Players inactive for tonight's game. #MNF #BeatTheVikings pic.twitter.com/6WANxV4PNi
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 15, 2015
The Aussie beat out contenders DeAndrew White and Mike Davis to get a place on the active roster for today’s game.
Hayne played in four pre-season games for the 49ers, leading the team in rushing and returning yards, leading some to label him as the ‘story of the pre-season.’
It’s unclear where Hayne will get time, if he managed to get on the field, but in all likelihood he will be used on special teams as a punt and kick returner and a gunner, whose job it is to tackle the opposition’s punt returner.
Both positions feed into Hayne’s strengths – his speed, agility and ability to find the correct blocks (and avoid them) when returning and chasing the football.
You can watch Jarryd Hayne live on ESPN, which is on Foxtel, or watch online using their service Foxtel Play or Foxtel Go.
You can also purchase a League Pass from the NFL. All are paid services. San Francisco’s next game will be live on 7Mate on digital free-to-air.
Hayne posted this photo on his Instagram a week ago. It seems fitting to post it here too.
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