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After two outstanding preseason games for the San Francisco 49ers over the last two weeks, Jarryd Hayne’s spot on the 53-man roster is looking more and more likely.
But, despite how well he’s going, we still haven’t had any assurances from the 49ers.
But the clearest indication came a day after his scintillating showing against the Dallas Cowboys in his second match when legendary coach John Madden said the former Eels star was certain of making the cut.
Madden, who lends his name to the popular NFL computer game, was supportive and hopeful of Hayne’s quest after his breakout performance against the Texans eight days earlier, but this week he was unequivocal.
“We talked about Jarryd Hayne, and before it was going to be a nice story, he’s come over from Australia, the 49ers give him a chance, maybe he makes a practise squad,” the one-time Super Bowl coach said on radio in the US.
“There’s no way he going to make the practise squad, there’s no way he’s going to be on the 49er practices squad.
“To be one a practice squad, you have to be waived – you have to clear waivers. So, you have to cut the player, everyone in the league has to pass on him, and then you can put him on your practise squad.
“That’s not going to happen now.
“I mean he’s come all the way from a guy ‘geez, that’s a nice story’ rugby player all these things, to ‘doggone, right now he’s a pretty good player. Maybe he’ll make the team.’
“Now I think he has to make the team.”
Madden, who is considered the best coach in Oakland Raiders have ever had and is the seventh youngest NFL head-coach in the game’s history, was most impressed with Hayne’s catching ability – no doubt a throwback to his days as an NRL fullback.
“The big thing for me is his vision the way he runs and sees, but the fact that he can catch the ball,” said Madden
“That’s the big thing with a punt returner. This guy looks like he’s a great catcher of the punt.
“He can catch the ball anywhere.”