Hayne confident he can crack the NFL

Jarryd Hayne says he still has a lot to learn at the San Francisco 49ers but is confident he can crack the NFL team's final 53-man roster. Photo / Getty Images.

Jarryd Hayne says he still has a lot to learn at the San Francisco 49ers but is confident he can crack the NFL team's final 53-man roster.

Hayne dazzled in his NFL preseason debut against Houston Texans on Sunday (AEST), playing both as a running back and kick returner and breaking through the Texans' defence to make an eye-catching 53-yard run.

The former Parramatta Eels and NSW fullback told reporters on Thursday he's still in a process of adjustment from rugby league, but was confident he could make it in the NFL. "Obviously, I'm far away from being a crisp running back," he said.

"Returning punts and kick-offs is the thing that I'm most natural at.

"There's a whole heap of things I am getting used to.

"I was always confident. For me, I didn't need a play to have that confidence."

Hayne has garnered intense media interest in both Australia and his new home in the US, but most importantly the former NRL star continues to impress one of his coaches that will help make a call on whether he makes the final cut to be announced on September 5.

San Francisco's special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey Jr. said Hayne had all the raw tools to make a great NFL punt returner, with the lateral quickness and fearlessness needed to thrive in the position.

But the 27-year-old had not yet guaranteed his spot on the roster, according to McGaughey.

"He has a lot of natural ability, but we have to be realistic, too," he said. "He's got a long way to go, he's doing some good things and hopefully he'll continue down that path."

-AAP