Jarryd Hayne has fronted the US media following his incredible NFL debut for the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday (AEST). Offensive players along the sideline quickly broke up the scuffle and Tomsula stopped practice for a bit before both players remained on the field….
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At same time, though, McGaughey conceded he’s been impressed with how eager Hayne, the former Australian rugby league star, has been to learn his new sport and with the moves he made against the Texans on Sunday.
Daley has joined the “Hayne Train” express and like everyone else in Australia, got excited about the former rugby star’s first actual American football game in the club’s preseason opener.
“He’s got a long way to go, he’s doing good things and hopefully he’ll continue down that path”.
Niners special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey Jr. said most of what was seen out of Hayne as a returner was intuitive.
“From the way I run routes to the way I handle the ball, picking up blitzes, for me there’s a whole bunch of things I not only need to get used to, but get better at as well”. That’s one of the characteristics that it takes to be a great punt returner.
And still, perhaps more impressive than his run as a tailback was his elusiveness as a punt returner, making people miss in the open field. “If you have that fearlessness, it definitely gives you that edge on an opponent”.
“They are along for this journey”, Hayne said.
As for the personal side of the transition, Hayne said he is well-aware of the encouragement sent from friends, family and fans back home in Australia. “They find a lot of joy in it as well, probably more than me”.
His best shotremains on special teams as a return specialist, though he must be able to play running back, if needed. But for me, I want to work on my whole game.
“I guess being the first game (against Houston) there was always going to be that challenge to see what would happen”.
“They’re wanting to see me play and do well”.
Daley has been in constant contact with Hayne since declaring his intention to play for NFL, and the Blues coach has nothing but praises to the 49ers hopeful, describing his NFL venture as one of the greatest sporting stories for Australia.
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“(But) Most of the tackles you have (in NRL) are just one-on-one, open-field tackles as opposed to a group of guys dropping back in an area and all of a sudden they’re coming from all kinds of different angles, and you got to know what you’re looking at”.
