Former Australian rugby league legend Jarryd Hayne is taking the world by storm.
The quick-footed Aussie -- dubbed the Hayne Plane -- has showed off impressive skills in his second ever American football game with the San Francisco 49ers. It follows an equally impressive first preseason game with the football team last weekend.
The commentators lost their minds as Hayne took an impressive punt return in the Sunday game against the Dallas Cowboys, outstepping the defence to run 27 yards. By half time, Hayne had racked up a 28-yard punt return average. He then went on in the third quarter to take another 34-yard run like a boss. The Hayne Plane has landed.
Here are the standouts:
That's just former Rugby League star @jarrydhayne_1, fielding punts over-the-shoulder and picking up 27 yards. http://t.co/t1Npkbw9GL— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2015
Can you count all the Cowboys @jarrydhayne_1 shook up on punt return #2? #DALvsSF http://t.co/0CIPqvg3Mi— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2015
A 34-yard gain as the @49ers RB? Ok, @jarrydhayne_1. Now you're just showing off. #DALvsSF http://t.co/fi6t1ljqQu— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2015
Using Aussie slang and calls of "G'Day mate", the commentators couldn't hide their adoration for Hayne's ability.
"He does this a couple more times and we are all going to be eating Vegemite up here," one said. "A world class professional athlete," the other chimed in. "This is the story of the year preseason in pro-football," they agreed.
The #HaynePlane is ready to go. #BeatTheCowboys https://t.co/C95fz6cpQq— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 23, 2015
Hayne was top of his game in Australia and about to earn a multi-million dollar salary, before he walked away to pursue his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. Many doubted that the skills would translate across football codes, but Hayne was determined to try. In October, he boarded a flight and headed to the U.S., knowing it could easily fall apart.
Instead, Hayne ended up with the 49ers where he has studied the playbook inside-out and trained hard to be prepared for his first games with the team. His note-taking tactics led to some teasing from some of his teammates, such as Carlos Hyde. "He actually goes out to walkthrough with his cheat sheet and goes through the plays," Hyde said to the Aussie media pack during training in April. "That's the first time I've ever seen someone go out there with a sheet of notes."
The dedication has paid off for the former Parramatta Eels player who, during his first semi-competitive game, made an impressive 53-yard run. Suddenly, the Americans were paying attention to an athletic freak long admired for his superhuman skills Down Under.
Only one man can stop Jarryd Hayne ... the punter pic.twitter.com/lBBUemZnKn— SB Nation (@SBNation) August 24, 2015
Jarryd Hayne with a remarkable over-the-shoulder catch of punt and a 27-yard return. The guy is going to be on this team.— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) August 24, 2015
Jarryd Hayne, Australian for Football. @jarrydhayne_1 #HaynePlane pic.twitter.com/GtshTL6Wx7— Josh Fathollahi (@JashFath) August 24, 2015
This is the beginning of something awesome if the last two games are any indication. But the Aussie remains humble in his new found glory.
"I'm still a long way off from where I want to be. I'm still learning. For me, I'm just taking in as much as I can." -@jarrydhayne_1— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 24, 2015
First game at home n got the W ! Feeling the love from down under. #49ers #australia #fiji #ctown #2566 LOVE — jarryd hayne (@jarrydhayne_1) August 24, 2015