Jarryd Hayne’s NFL dream faces latest test as he pads up for San Francisco 49ers in full contact game

TEN MONTHS ago Jarryd Hayne said he wanted to climb a mountain he was only standing at the bottom of. On Sunday, Hayne commences his NFL ascent.

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers runs drills during a practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

TEN MONTHS ago Jarryd Hayne told an overflowing press conference he wanted to give himself every opportunity to climb a mountain which he was standing at the bottom of.

On Sunday, Hayne commences his NFL ascent.

The wait is over for the former Parramatta Eels fullback, who will finally pull on the pads and helmet in his first game for the San Francisco 49ers in an exhibition game against the Houston Texans.

Hayne’s bid for a contract with the 49ers won’t be determined today — the final roster will be chosen on September 5.

But the significance of today’s hit-out — the little-known Aussie chasing a dream — can’t be understated.

HAYNE GIVING 49ERS COACHES ‘PLENTY TO LOVE’

Hayne will trial as a running back, but 49ers offensive co-ordinator Geep Chryst said the 27-year-old will would be trialled in a number of positions.

“We’re definitely going to use him on all facets of the game,” Chryst said.

Hayne has impressed coaches and team-mates with his attitude in training.

“Running, catching, fielding on special teams, whatever T-Mac (special teams co-ordinator Thomas McGaughey Jr.) wants to do. And at the end of the day, I think we’ll know more about Jarryd. But it’s exciting.”

Hayne has been given a confidence boost on the eve of his first-ever 49ers game, earning a remarkable rating for a big play in training camp.

San Francisco media staff have rated Hayne’s aggressive touchdown, in which he bumped off several tacklers to find the endzone, as the No. 4 play of 49ers camp — and the top play by a running back.

The play outdid a long run by fellow running back Reggie Bush (No. 10) and should give the Australian confidence heading into his debut game, a pre-season clash against Houston on Sunday (AEST) in which he is tipped to get an opportunity in multiple roles.

“Jarryd Hayne got denied by Tank Carradine a couple plays ago but he made amends a couple plays later with a nice touchdown, bouncing off a couple of would-be tacklers,” was how 49ers commentators described the Hayne training TD. “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi, as they say.”

Hayne also featured in the No. 6 play of camp, when he was smashed in a heavy tackle by Carradine just short of the endzone. Taking the hit with no fuss earned Hayne plenty of respect from observers.

The No. 1 play of camp went to quarterback Colin Kaepernick, for a nice touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Davis.

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne’s NFL dream faces latest test as he pads up for San Francisco 49ers in full contact game