Jarryd Hayne is still making a name in the NFL despite being relegated into the San Francisco 49ers’ inactive roster as he becomes the only NFL practice squad player with a merchandise range in a team’s official store.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Hayne “has been gifted his own section of the store,” which includes his No. 38 jersey through to T-shirts, pennants, bar mats, bath towel, stickers, and collector pins. The Australian rugby league star will also receive a portion of profits from the range of merchandise.

The NFL’s official website has Hayne’s jersey among the five bestsellers in the league. The Australian rookie’s jersey sits behind New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, and New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

The report also added that the cash will be a “welcome bonus” for Hayne, who now has a skimpy salary. The 27-year-old rookie signed for three-year contract with the 49ers worth $2.3 million, but following his demotion the club’s practice squad, the contract has been discarded, giving him a salary of around US$115,000.

Meanwhile, speculations about Hayne going back to Australia to play for the NRL has emerged following his recent setback with the 49ers. But according to 49ers beat writer Cam Inman, San Francisco may actually want to keep the former Eel.

“Nope, Hayne is entrenched on their practice squad, meaning they still want to develop him and he still wants a job in the NFL, albeit a less glamorous one that keeps him out of uniform on game days,” Inman wrote. “Clearly, they see Hayne as too raw of a running back, even if he showed flashes of promise in the preseason and first seven games.”

Hayne’s chance to suit up for the 49ers during game days may have become slimmer after the team looked him over and instead signed veteran running backs Shaun Draughn and Pierre Thomas. But the Aussies time with the practice squad could be a blessing in disguise as Hayne will have the time to develop his skills and learn more about American football.

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