San Francisco 49ers RB Jarryd Hayne was one of multiple players that spoke to the media today at the team's headquarters in Santa Clara. One tidbit that Cam Inman of the Mercury News provided was Hayne disputing rumors of a National Rugby League return, showing that he is fully dedicated to moving forward with his NFL career. The rumors were started by the Australian media.
You can watch the video, provided by Inman, below.
Jarryd Hayne embracing #49ers encore & disputing rumors or Aussie NRL return pic.twitter.com/56ZHaD3KdN
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) April 13, 2016
Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area posted another video of the same interview, in which Hayne speaks about being more comfortable in his role as he gets set to kick off his second year in the league.
Hayne was on the active roster to start the season for six games before being deactivated prior to the team's first matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. He was waived the following week and when no other team claimed him, was signed to the 49ers' practice squad. He returned to the active roster in December, just prior to the 49ers' game against the Detroit Lions.
#49ers RB Jarryd Hayne said his main focus this off-season was working on his 'hip strength' and getting low.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) April 13, 2016
Hayne was a big Australian media storyline during the 2015 preseason. In 2014, he left a stellar career in the National Rugby League to chase his dream of playing in the NFL.
Last season, Hayne appeared in eight games, rushing for 52 yards on 17 carries. He also had six receptions for 27 yards and eight punt returns on special teams, averaging 9.5 yards per return.