Here’s an unusual change in sporting code for you
Rugby League superstar Jarryd Hayne has signed for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.
The 27-year-old announced his decision to choose the 49ers over the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks last night and will now battle it out for a place on the final roster later this year.
The former Paramatta Eels full-back was a star in the NRL, and Niners’ management, who have invested an $100,000 guarantee in the gamble, will be hoping his size – he checked in at 6’2″ and over 16stone – and speed in the open field translate well to the gridiron, where it is expected he will line up as a running back and return specialist.
San Francisco’s new head coach, Jim Tomsula, is a former NFL Europe coach with experience of working with athletes from other sports and the team already has former British Olympian Lawrence Okoye on its books.
Here is Hayne going through some running back and punt return drills for scouts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNrRpZ6J5ao
And here he is in action in Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3mT4wru57c
