The Grill Team made an interesting point about differences between Australia and the US

MATTY Johns and co wanted to inquire about Jarryd Hayne’s progress. Their Aussie banter was met with a very straight bat.

The Grill Team had their share of fun with Inman.

FOR all the traits we share, there’s still a massive gulf between us.

Australia and America have a close bond, but we’re really more like cousins than brothers. There will always be things that confuse us about one other — like how Donald Trump has a shot at running their country, or our obsession with Vegemite.

On Triple M’s The Grill Team on Friday morning, yet another difference was pointed out.

Matty Johns, Mark Geyer, Gus Worland and Chris Page were talking with Cam Inman, a San Francisco 49ers beat reporter for the Bay Area, about Jarryd Hayne’s chances in his second year in the NFL.

For all the chat about the football — much of which contained information 49ers followers already know — perhaps the most interesting point to emerge was how differently Aussies and Yanks criticise sporting icons.

Speaking about Hayne’s coach at the 49ers in 2015 Jim Tomsula — who has this season been replaced by former Philadelphia mentor Chip Kelly — Johns gave a typically colourful description.

“Cam, what about Jim Tomsula? He looked like a line cook. He could sweat for San Francisco that bloke,” said Johns, referencing Tomsula’s habit of perspiring during interviews.

But despite having a carrot dangled in front of him, Inman refused to take the bait.

“I’m not one to talk so I’m never going to take down somebody, but that guy did never seem like he was ever comfortable being a head coach,” said Inman. “He’s a real nice guy but he was a terrible head coach.”

Professional, not personal.

The boys behind the microphone were quick to pick up on this — after Inman had hung up the phone from San Francisco.

“Isn’t it funny with Americans — their reluctance to bag people?” said Chris Page.

“We’re happy to say Tomsula lives in an alley in (New) Jersey in a little house made out of garbage.”

“He (Inman) was so uncomfortable with it. He was happy to bag him professionally but not personally,” said Johns.

“That’s where we excel. He said he never looked comfortable as a first grade coach, I said, ‘Cam, the only place he would look comfortable is in a garbage can.’

“Is that Australians or is that just The Grill Team? Are we just bad blokes? I think we’re just bad blokes.”

The NFL is a ruthless game.

As for Hayne’s prospects in his second season in San Francisco, Inman was optimistic, especially after the 49ers’ moves in the recent draft.

“I think he’s in better shape than he is last year,” said Inman. “They really didn’t bring in any big time free agents to compete against him, the draft didn’t really bring in anyone in terms of a return specialist.”

There were also several factors working in Hayne’s favour as he prepares to strap on the pads again. While last year the hype surrounding Hayne was obviously in full force down under, his performances in the pre-season quickly made him a talking point among the Bay Area faithful.

But with the NBA playoffs in full swing, most people’s focus is on the area’s gun basketball franchise the Golden State Warriors and their quest for a second successive championship.

There’s that, and the fact the Bay Area’s other NFL franchise the Oakland Raiders are attracting most of the press, while Inman also said the debate over who will start at quarterback — Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert — is the biggest issue among 49ers supporters.

He believes this will allow Hayne to train in relative anonymity as he works towards impressing Kelly in the hope of gaining a roster spot.

“Chip is more of an offensive innovator so he might have a way to incorporate Jarryd Hayne more-so than Jim Tomsula and his staff,” he said.

Australia is waiting to see what 2016 brings for Hayne.

Originally published as The Grill Team made an interesting point about differences between Australia and the US