Jarryd Hayne was jubilant after the San Francisco 49ers claimed an overtime victory to end his first NFL season.
Hayne remained on the sideline throughout most of the 49ers’ 19-16 win over the St Louis Rams at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, with the team opting to play DuJuan Harris, Kendall Gaskins and Mike Davis at running back and Bruce Ellington as punt returner.
But Hayne shrugged that off.
He was ecstatic he had completed a dream of joining the 49ers and against the odds playing in eight games.
“It is what it is,” Hayne replied when asked about his lack of time on the field against the Rams.
“Overall, the year what I’ve had and to be here and part of the team has been incredible and more than what I could have imagined.”
49ers coach Jim Tomsula, who is expected to be fired after the team’s five-win, 11 loss season, did use Hayne on the special teams defensive unit where he made a tackle late in the fourth quarter.
Hayne said he’d like Tomsula to remain as coach.
Hayne flies back to Sydney on Monday (Tuesday AEDT).
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Well done Hayne. Achieved what very few Australians have managed to do, as a running back, that is, not a kicker.
Tom G
Guest
I bet Channel Seven are stoked that they lashed out the cash on covering the games he featured in..Personally I can't for the life of me understand how the 49ers couldn't find a spot for the bloke all season when looking at the roster they have. Hope someone picks him up and use him in the off-season.