Contrary to a stream of reports in his native Australia, 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne isn’t returning to the National Rugby League.
At least not any time soon.
Today, Hayne made his first media appearance of 2016 and addressed the rumors that began last year suggesting he would ditch his fledgling NFL career. Hayne, 28, played in eight games last season, which was his first foray into football after a decorated rugby league career.
“At the start it got a bit annoying during last season,” Hayne said. “I guess it was disappointing, but that’s the media back home. They make stories up whether it’s to sell papers or try to get more viewers. I’m accustomed to that. I know how they operate. For me, I knew what I was doing. I knew where I was going.”
Hayne hopes he’s headed for a spot on the 53-man roster after his up-and-down rookie season. Hayne beat long odds to make the team thanks to an eye-opening preseason, but he was released and subsequently signed to the practice squad in midseason. He was promoted to the 53-man roster for the final two regular-season games. Hayne had 52 rushing yards (3.1 yards a carry), six catches for 27 yards and averaged 9.5 yards on eight punt returns.
He’s now learning a new offensive playbook, but said his learning curve isn’t nearly as steep as it was last year. Still, he hasn’t the dismissed the possibility that he’ll again tuck an Xs-and-Os cheat sheet into his shorts during offseason practices.
“I’m not too sure,” he said. “I’ve thought about it … We’ll see how we go.”
