Superstar quarterback Cam Newton says Jarryd Hayne can make NFL but can’t rely on toughness

CAM Newton is one of the NFL’s highest paid players and has just warned Aussie hopeful Jarryd Hayne that a major trait of NRL stars is meaningless.

SANTA CLARA, CA - APRIL 29: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in practice drills during a media opportunity at Levi's Stadium on April 29, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

ONE of the NFL’s highest-paid players has warned Jarryd Hayne that only pure athleticism, not toughness, will get him a shot in big-time American football.

Superstar Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who is on a mind-blowing $US118 million contract, said he’d heard of Hayne’s foray into the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.

He was also aware of Hayne’s rugby league background, branding the game tough - a trait he says makes little difference in American football, whether it be physical or mental toughness.

WATCH AUSSIE NFL PLAYER DAVID YANKEY TALK ABOUT HAYNE’S HOPES IN THE VIDEO ABOVE & CAM NEWTON DISCUSS THE NRL ACE BELOW

Speaking to Triple M Melbourne during a visit Down Under, Newton said Hayne could well make it in the NFL but would have to prove himself a brilliant athlete as well as a tough competitor.

“I seen that, he’s a running back,” Newton said when asked about Hayne.

“One thing that I did see that may be a difference in the game... in this game (rugby league), it’s no question that every person that’s out there is tough. This game is more mental, with ‘Argh, I’m going to be tougher than you’.

Jarryd Hayne has so far impressed in training with the San Francisco 49ers.

“With the NFL, it’s more athletic; how can you make a guy miss. Everybody’s strong and everybody’s powerful and everybody uses their strength in that type of way.

“But toughness in the NFL is by default. Everybody’s tough to a degree.

“How are you going to use your talent in a way that’s going to create touchdowns? How are you also going to use your talents not only to catch, run, throw, whatever... maximise your approach.

“Do I think he can make a team? Definitely.”

Quarterback Cam Newton has gone from college sensation to $118 million NFL star.

Hayne has so far impressed his coaches at the 49ers but the consensus is that he will need to prove himself an irresistible punt/kick return option on special teams to have a hope of making the NFL roster for next season, with several running backs ahead of him.

The former NRL superstar is currently back in Australia after returning for minor foot surgery.

Hayne was also given a vote of confidence this week by fellow Aussie NFL hopeful David Yankey, who looks a big chance of playing offensive line this season for Minnesota.

Originally published as Superstar quarterback Cam Newton says Jarryd Hayne can make NFL but can’t rely on toughness