NFL scouts inquired about NRL stars after Jarryd Hayne’s 49ers debut

Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne continues to impress San Francisco 49ers coaches and teammates, and American football fans around the world after his impressive debut in the club’s preseason opener against Houston Texans. While the 49ers hopeful progresses to make San Francisco’s 53-man roster, Hayne’s transition from playing rugby league to donning pads and helmet also opened chances for other NRL players in Australia to pursue an NFL career.

According to the Daily Telegraph, former Australian NFL star Colin Scotts claimed NFL scouts are calling him to enquire about other NRL stars who have the interest and ability to play American football. The report said at least three NFL franchise scouts have been in contact with Scotts, asking how and when American clubs could study the form and backgrounds of Aussie rugby league stars.

“Rugby league is a game the NFL will now be looking into,” Scotts said. “They have been blown away by [Hayne] an Aussie rugby league player.”

Scotts admitted the rugby league does not want another sport taking away their talented players. However, Scotts is confident NFL will come looking at Australia for another prospect after being enthralled by Hayne’s natural talent and skills. Scotts also came up with a list of players he will share with talent scouts from United States. The 52-year-old Scotts included notable NRL athletes like Greg Inglis and George Burgess of South Sydney Rabbitohs, Gold Coast Titans’ Dave Taylor and James Roberts, and Canberra Raiders’ Josh Papalii and Jarrod Croker.

Scotts also believes Wallabies Israel Folau and Will Skelton could be worth a punt in the NFL. Signing a couple of rugby players will not be an issue for NFL teams, who each carries a huge salary cap of US$143 million (AU$194 million).

Meanwhile, according to Fox Sports, 49ers coach Jim Tomsula was not surprised by how Hayne fared during the exhibition game in Houston, but the 47-year-old coach is worried the Aussie’s sudden fame could be a distraction, especially when there is still so much to learn.

“I hope I’m presenting a very tempered approach to what happened tonight with Jarryd. There were things that went on and we still have a long way to go,” Tomsula said, reports News.

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