NFL expert: Hayne is flying towards 49ers squad

hayne

In an article entitled - Jarryd Hayne is winning over a nation, one punt return at a time , Cory Collins insisted the Hayne Plane is no longer flying under the radar.

"Jarryd Hayne starred in Australian rugby league play before trying his hand as a nobody in American football. Nobody, no longer. His punt returns are preseason gold," Collins wrote.

"The 49ers rookie and former rugby league star from Australia dazzled last week with a 53-yard run against the Texans.

"And his home country rallied behind him in his quest to make an NFL roster and become the latest two-sport star.

"But as Sunday's preseason slate against the Cowboys continues, Hayne has his new country behind him, too.

"Because he's catching punts again. He's making mortal men miss tackles again."

Collins' article was the lead story on the Sporting News website, a reflection of just how big the Hayne story is becoming on the other side of the world.

Meanwhile, the official 49ers website is milking the Hayne Plane for all its worth, constantly sharing images and videos of the former Eels star to capitalise on the massive interest in him.

And that interest in entirely justified, as Collins was quick to point out. 

"So far, Hayne has three punt returns for 84 yards, including two clinics on the art of juking and eluding would-be tacklers and gaining the extra yard," he wrote. 

"The first featured an over-the-shoulder catch on a long-range punt — followed by a long-range return".

"Hayne later took a return into the teeth of the Cowboys' punt team, leaving players in his wake before two of them took him down."

"Hayne may be new to the NFL but he has a history of success. The former rugby league champion from Sydney earned Top Tryscorer in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

"And there's a reason rugby fans call him the Hayne Plane. It's not just because of his iconic celebration we may one day see in an NFL endzone.

"It's because he can fly."

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