Levi's stadium
Jul 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; A general view of the new NFL stadium during a tour before the ribbon cutting ceremony at Levi's Stadium. REUTERS/Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers rookie Jarryd Hayne started the new phase of his NFL career in the club’s first contact training camp practice at Levi’s Stadium on Wednesday. While 49ers coach Jim Tomsula explained the difference of American football from “footy,” the 47-year-old coach admitted the excitement of seeing Hayne on pads and helmet throughout the training camp.

Tomsula, who has been handling 49ers since earlier this year, credited Hayne’s background in playing a very physical Australian rules football. However, Tomsula admitted that American football is a test of will, pointing out that the physicality of the NFL can only be tested once a player wears a pair of shoulder pads and a helmet.

“[Hayne] He’s tackled before, he’s played a physical game where you strike and it’s body on body, but he’s not done it with a pair of shoulder pads and a helmet,” Tomsula said, News reported. “So, we’re excited about those things.”

The former rugby star went helmet-to-helmet with 49ers’ linebacker Nick Moody and got lectured by running back coach Tom Rathman. Rathman cautioned Hayne from time to time, telling the 49ers hopeful to pick up the pace and power in on drills. Hayne also received praises from the former 49ers full back after stopping Moody with his helmet in one tilt.

Hayne participated as running back in a fast-paced offence versus defence game alongside 49ers star quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The Australian footballer caught touchdown passes from Kaepernick, showing his speed and natural talent that could lead to an NFL career.

According to The Australian, Hayne has impressed the team’s coaches and players with his athleticism, soft hands catching punts, and dedication to learning American football. However, coaches have advised Hayne to lower his running style, which will make him less of a target for linemen.

San Francisco will cut the 90-man squad to 75 on Sept. 1, then to the 53-man roster on Sept. 5. The team will play its first regular season game against Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 14.

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