Jarryd Hayne is impressing after swapping rugby league for the NFL
Monday 24 August 2015 17:29, UK
There's an exciting new star emerging in the NFL - but he doesn't speak with the same American twang as his contemporaries.
Jarryd Hayne hails from a suburb of Sydney, Australia, but now resides in San Francisco where he is forging a second sports career.
Having left behind the comforts of rugby league in his homeland, where he represented the Parramatta Eels in the NRL, Hayne was drafted by the 49ers earlier this year and has wasted no time impressing his new employers.
During a 23-6 pre-season win against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Hayne stole the show by returning punts for 27, 34 and 23 yards in the first quarter.
The first showing was a remarkable piece of skill and athleticism derived from his time on the rugby pitch - Hayne caught a long punt over his shoulder before dashing through the Cowboys' special teams coverage.
He led the 49ers with 54 rushing yards on eight carries - his first 18 touches in pre-season have yielded 235 yards in total. His first five punt returns have gone for at least 10 yards each.
The Australian is bidding to be confirmed on the 49ers' final roster for the upcoming season but, on this evidence, he can hardly be left out.
