Australian media cops Jarryd Hayne warning

YOU can’t blame the Aussie press for getting excited about Jarryd Hayne, but it didn’t go down well with the Americans.

San Francisco 49ers v Houston Texans

YOU could hardly blame the Australian press contingent for getting excited when Jarryd Hayne broke clear for a 53-yard run in his NFL pre-season debut for the San Francisco 49ers.

But it didn’t go down well in the press box.

Early in the second quarter against the Houston Texans, Hayne produced a 53-yard run, breaking through a hole in the left-side defence before stepping inside a would-be tackler and brushing off another, before going out of bounds.

The Aussie journalists inside the NRG Stadium press box “broke into a hearty cheer”, according to The San Francisco Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson.

“Of course, that’s against NFL etiquette. So, the traditional ‘No cheering in the press box’ reminder was issued,” Wilson explained.

SF Gate’s Eric Branch added: “Hayne’s run was greeted in the press box by cheers and screams from a three-person Australian media contingent. Moments later, the press box announcer intoned: ‘No cheering in the press box.’”

Hayne said he felt like a huge weight had been lifted off him as he staked a strong claim for a place in the San Francisco 49ers’ final roster.

Playing as a running back and kick returner, Hayne impressed the 49ers and NFL commentators with a standout display in the 23-10 loss.

The 27-year-old former Parramatta Eels fullback led both teams in rushing yards.

“I brought a lot of pressure on myself, I wanted to fit in ... I wanted to go out there and look like an American NFL player and I feel like I did that,” Hayne said.

“I was really excited and it was big, too, because we ran a play like that a couple of days before and the coach was on to me just to keep in the crease and to let it open up.”

The 49ers’ star quarterback Colin Kaepernick was full of praise for Hayne.

“He went out there and played really well. He played fast, had a great run and had a couple of good punt returns, so I think everyone is impressed with what he’s done,” Kaepernick said.

Kaepernick was asked whether he thought Hayne had done enough to make the cut.

“That’s not my decision, but I think he’s making a very strong case, especially with what he did today,” he said.

Hayne goes on his impressive 53-yard run.

Hayne made an average of 12 yards from punt returns. His 53-yard run led to the 49ers only touchdown of the game when Blaine Gabbert threw to Garrett Celek to give the 49ers a 10-8 lead going into halftime.

That massive run came from Hayne’s second touch in the game and while it shocked a few million people around the globe, for Kaepernick, it wasn’t totally unexpected.

“It was surprising that it came out so early, but I watched a few of his highlight tapes ... so it wasn’t something that surprised me too much,” he said.

San Francisco head coach Jim Tomsula said it was important people didn’t get too excited about Hayne too early, as there was a long road ahead.

“This was our first look at him in live action and we’re excited for him,” Tomsula said.

“Jarryd’s a professional athlete. He did some good things, but it’s the first pre-season game and we’ve got to grow from here.”

Tomsula added: “He absolutely has to battle to make the roster.

“And I hope I’m presenting a very tempered approach to what happened tonight with Jarryd. There were things that went on and we still have a long way to go.

“The thing that excites me is the kind of person he is. You get into a situation where you’re rooting for guys, you’re pulling for guys. But it’s got to happen. And he’s one of those guys.”

Tomsula also described Hayne as “a premier athlete in the world in space”.

Hayne even earned the praise of the NFL, which tweeted the video of his bullocking 33-yard kickoff return to its 12.7 million followers.

The 49ers face the Dallas Cowboys next weekend in a pre-season clash in Texas.

San Francisco then play Denver and San Diego in their final two hitouts before the regular season opener against the Vikings.

HAYNE’S NIGHT TO REMEMBER

* Longest run of the game at 53 yards

* Led the rushing for both teams making 63 yards from five carries

* One kick-off return for a game-high 33 yards

* Averaged 12 yards from two punt returns

* He was a leading trend on Twitter in both San Francisco and Australia.

SAN FRANCISCO’S UPCOMING PRE-SEASON GAMES

* Dallas Cowboys (Aug 23)

* Denver Broncos (Aug 29)

* San Diego Chargers (Sept 3)

FIRST REGULAR SEASON GAME

* Minnesota Vikings (Sep 14)

— with AAP