Hayne's NFL performance hailed by US media
US media have hailed Jarryd Hayne’s debut performance for the San Francisco 49ers, declaring that it looked like he’s been playing “his entire life”.
Former NRL superstar Hayne was one of the standout players as the 49ers went down 23-10 to the Houston Texans in the franchises' first pre-season game.
Playing as running back and kick returner, the 27-year-old led rushed for a game-high 63 yards (58 metres), returned two punts for 24 yards (22 metres) and had a kickoff return for 33 yards (30 metres).
The performance waylaid fears Hayne would be out of his depth in his first competitive start.
"Jarryd Hayne wanted to go out and look like he'd been playing (NFL) his entire life," Bleacher Report columnist Tyler Conway wrote.
"He did exactly that."
The Big Lead reporter Jason Lisk wrote that Hayne's starring performance proved his gamble to leave the Parramatta Eels could pay off with a spot on the 49ers final 53-man roster.
"Curiosity or legitimate chance?" Lisk wrote.
"Well, it looks like he will be very much in contention for a roster spot.
"Hayne has the versatility to play both special teams and work as a running back."
However, it was a 53-yard (48-metre), mazy run in the second quarter which made US sport reporters stand up and take notice.
Hayne took the ball from backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert, breezed through a hole in the defensive line, jagged to his right and palmed off a defender before eventually running out of play with the end zone in sight.
ESPN NFL Nation reporter Paul Gutierrez summed up the play in a single but succinct tweet.
Jarryd Hayne. He shifty.
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) August 16, 2015
But the plaudits were tempered with a bite of reality as Conway warned Hayne still had a mountain to climb to make the squad.
"This could be a case of peaking early before reality sets in," he wrote.
"In all likelihood, the 49ers will have to be comfortable going with five running backs for Hayne to make the roster.
"Still, as far as first impressions go, it would have been hard for Hayne to be much better."
