NFL News: San Francisco 49ers’ Jarryd Hayne adds PM Tony Abbott to ‘Hayne Plane’ trip

Australian rookie Jarryd Hayne continues to make his case for a roster spot with the San Francisco 49ers after another impressive performance in the club’s preseason home debut against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday. Hayne once again awe-inspired fans and pundits with his big runs at punt returner and running back, which surprisingly invited the attention of Australia’s prime minister.

Hayne boosted his NFL career attempt after helping the 49ers beat the Cowboys 23-6 at Levi’s Stadium. The Australian rugby league star earned praises from US commentators during the game, but the most notable remark he received came from Australia’s most powerful person, tipping Hayne for “another outstanding performance.”

Hayne excited fans in his second preseason game with the 49ers. The 27-year-old Hayne started his game with a brilliant over-the-shoulder catch off a Dallas punt that saw him go back 15 yards before turning for a 27-yard gain to the 49ers’ 47-yard line. His big run gave San Francisco a great field option and set up a go-ahead field goal for the team to take a 3-0 lead.

Hayne then followed it up with a 34-yard run on the next Dallas punt and set off up field before being brought down by Cowboys’ punter Chris Jones. The former Eel then took his third return for another 23-yard gain, prompting TV commentators to spill praises at the Aussie.

"It’s gonna be hard to not put that guy [Hayne] on this football team [49ers]," one of the callers said, reports 9news.

The Australian rugby league star was used as a running back in the second half, but only made one yard on second down and two from the San Francisco 24-yard line. The 49ers then called five consecutive running plays for Hayne that resulted up a total of 44 yards. He also made a small loss on a running play, but it was overruled by a penalty against the Cowboys for a defender grabbing Hayne’s facemask to drag him down.

The 49ers hopeful said that he is grateful for the opportunity and admitted he is still getting used to lowering his pads and running off the right blocks. Hayne also revealed he is enjoying the process, although the Australian rookie is aware that he still needs to do his best every week and study the game.

“I’m still a long way off from where I want to be,” Hayne said, reported The Guardian. “People might be surprised in how I’m going but I’ve got confidence in my ability.”

Hayne finished with a game-best 54 yards on eight carries with an average of 28 yards per punt return in the opening quarter. The 49ers will visit the Denver Broncos in the team’s third preseason game on Saturday.

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