Hayne to participate in first full contact practice

The former Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne is about to face one of the toughest tests of his fledging NFL career.

Hayne will participate in his first full contact practice with the San Francisco 49ers wearing helmets and pads today.

The 49ers’ coaching staff said they will be tossing Hayne into running back drills where he’ll be confronted by the team’s monster-sized linemen.

The coaches have urged Hayne to lower his running style which will make him less of a target for the linemen.

Hayne, a former Parramatta Eel, has impressed the team’s coaches and players with his athleticism, soft hands catching punts and dedication to learning the game.

The 49ers’ training camp is being held at the team’s Stadium in Santa Clara, south of San Francisco.

The team will cut the 90-man squad to 75 on September 1, then to the final 53 players four days later.

Source: Radio NZ