Jarryd Hayne NFL: San Francisco 49ers jersey number 38 to be worn by NRL superstar

JARRYD Hayne has given a touching explanation for why he chose No.38 as his San Francisco 49ers jersey, dating back to the start of his NRL career.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 17: Jarryd Hayne of the Eels makes a break during the round 15 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Parramatta Stadium June 17, 2006 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)

JARRYD Hayne has given a touching explanation for why he chose No.38 as his San Francisco 49ers jersey, saying it dates back to the start of his NRL career

The former Paramatta fullback used Instagram to explain that the number was the same one he was given when he joined the Eels as a 17-year-old back in 2005.

He went on to make the No.1 jersey his own for Parramatta and NSW but he’ll have some unfamiliar digits to Australian audiences should he earn a spot with the San Francisco 49ers this season.

The 49ers released the uniform numbers their recently signed free agents will play in on Tuesday (Australian time).

Reggie Bush (No. 23), Darnell Dockett (No. 90) and Jerome Simpson (No. 14) were among the other players assigned a number by San Francisco today.

#49ers additions @ReggieBush, @jarrydhayne_1, @ddockett & others have picked uniform numbers. http://t.co/BgHwAmn7I1 pic.twitter.com/9rGJRkj5Pk

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) April 20, 2015

Trent Baalke, the 49ers general manager, told reporters on Friday he had monitored Hayne’s progress since he reported for duty earlier this month.

Baalke described the former Parramatta Eels fullback as a “work in progress”.

“As an athlete, the Australian import has been impressive, but it’s too early to know how much he’s been able to retain from brief meetings with the 49ers coaches during the offseason program,” wrote Taylor Price for the 49ers official website.

So this is what the @jarrydhayne_1 jersey will look like. Wish him the best of luck making the squad. Tough gig. pic.twitter.com/Gn4Hiidscq

— Crackerz (@OzyAussieOzy) April 21, 2015

The 49ers have a big fortnight ahead of them.

They will participate in the NFL Draft in Chicago from April 30. The 49ers first five picks will come at No. 15 (first round), No. 46 (second round), No. 79 (third round), No. 126 and No. 132 (both fourth round).

San Francisco will also receive its draw for the 2015/16 season next Tuesday.

San Francisco will play Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and the NFC West counterparts: the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams at home.

They will play away to the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Seahawks, Cardinals and Rams.

Jarryd Hayne will wear No.38 for the San Francisco 49ers. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne NFL: San Francisco 49ers jersey number 38 to be worn by NRL superstar