Hayne generates web traffic, high praise from special-teams coach
On Wednesday morning, four days after the 49ers’ running back made his NFL debut, four of the top five most-viewed stories on the website of the Sydney-based Daily Telegraph were Hayne-related No. 2:
[...] in advance of Sunday’s preseason game against Dallas at Levi’s Stadium, the 49ers have issued about 20 credentials for members of the Australian media (distance from Sydney to Santa Clara: 7,440 miles).
Yes, Hayne has a sense that plenty of friends and family — along with legions of fans — are wrapped up in his attempt to transition to the NFL from the National Rugby League.
On Thursday, 49ers special teams coach Thomas McGaughey did attempt to tap the brakes on the Hayne hype.
Hayne averaged 15 yards on his eight touches (five runs, three returns) against the Texans, but McGaughey noted it was only “the first preseason game.”
On his punt returns of 13 and 11 yards, Hayne fielded the ball with at least one defender nearby, but eschewed a fair catch.
Hayne obviously excelled on special teams — and his 53-yard, second-quarter run headlined most of the game highlights — but he noted his work-in-progress status, particularly as a running back.
[...] I don’t know how many Jarryd Hayne’s are over there in that rugby league.
Simmons, who died in April at age 91, spent 26 seasons as the play-by-play voice of the team and also called games for the Giants and A’s during his five-decade career.
In the pregame ceremony, Simmons’ daughter, Robin, and other family members will unveil a bronze plaque featuring Simmons’ portrait.