Jarryd Hayne impresses in first game for San Francisco 49ers, but Houston Texans win 23-10

VIDEO: NFL convert Jarryd Hayne has given his NFL dreams a massive boost by standing out on debut for the San Francisco 49ers.

Hayne shines in incredible NFL debut

JARRYD Hayne’s NFL career is off to an incredible start after starring for the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s 23-10 pre-season loss to the Houston Texans.

The former NRL superstar made a two-yard gain with his first touch of the ball but lit up the game with his second touch, a spectacular 53-yard run that eventually lead to a touchdown a few plays later.

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It was one of a handful of impressive highlights from Hayne, who announced his departure from rugby league almost 12 months ago to pursue his dream of playing American football at the highest level.

Hayne congratulated by his teammates after a superb 53-yard run.

The 53-yard run was the longest rushing effort in the game. helped by some excellent blocking by the 49ers offensive line that cleared an avenue for Hayne to burst through with his trademark pace.

Once he was in space, Hayne put an expert left foot step to bypass one defender.

Though clipped, he regained his balance and continued to charge to the endzone, only to be collected by two Texans players and forced out of bounds at the 10-yard line.

Jarryd Hayne: "I felt a huge weight lifted"

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 16, 2015

Thumping his chest and hi-fiving teammates after the blistering play, Hayne announced his arrival to the NFL in style.

In good field position, Garrett Celek latched onto a Blaine Gabbert pass for a touchdown moments later.

At the running back position, Hayne finished with five touches for a total of 63-yards, more yards gained than any other running back on the field in Houston.

Hayne’s initiation included some tough moments, including being crunched by Mike Mohamed after a hospital pass.

Hayne's night ends with: 5 rushes for 63 yards 2 punt returns for 24 yards 1 kick return for 33 yards Grade: Heavily Exceeds Expectations

— Laurie Horesh (@LaurieHoresh) August 16, 2015

Well. Need a bit of a lie down after that game. What a start for Jarryd Hayne. His @49ers debut very very solid. Just keep doing that pls

— Melanie Dinjaski (@MelanieDinjaski) August 16, 2015

The Minto native was given little time to set, and was quickly wrapped up by Mohamed. Though hit hard immediately after catching the quarterback’s pass, Hayne bounced back up, unaffected.

Lining up on special teams, Hayne had two punt returns for an average 12-yard return and a long return of 13 yards.

But it was as a kick-off returner that Hayne had his other major highlight of the game. Receiving the ball at the start of the second half, Hayne caught the ball in his endzone and took it 33 yards upfield, showing his rugby league-esque ability to switch the ball between his hands while palming off defenders.

With cuts imminent ahead of the regular season proper, Hayne has given his chances of claiming a spot on the 53-man roster a massive boost.

Jim Tomsula on Hayne: "I watched a lot of film of him in rugby and the physicality of it. He's a premier athlete in the world of space."

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 16, 2015

“He did a tremendous job tonight, a physical running back and he had some big plays tonight,” 49ers back-up quarterback Gabbert said after the game.

“This was our first look at him in live action and we’re excited by him,” 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said.

“It seems like everybody’s surprised. I’m not.

“To watch Jarryd embrace it and just learn, learn, learn. You can see the way he’s come in with no ego and just put he’s whole self into it.

Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks the tackle attempt of Rahim Moore #26 of the Houston Texans in the first half at Reliant Arena.

“I expected him to be very comfortable in space. I’ve watched a lot of film of him in rugby and the physicality of it. That was my first concern, but he can play in space. He’s a premiere athlete in space.

“He absolutely has to battle to make the roster. I hope I’m showing a very tempered approach to Jarryd. The thing that excites me is the type of person that he is. You’re rooting for guys, you’re pulling for guys. I just want to see where it’s at.”

The next pre-season game for the 49ers will be at home in Levi’s Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday August 24 in the morning, Australian time.

Watch the videos above and relive Hayne’s first game in the blog below!

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne impresses in first game for San Francisco 49ers, but Houston Texans win 23-10