FORMER Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne made the final 53-man roster for the San Francisco 49ers yesterday.

Hayne left the Parramatta Eels last year to fulfil a dream of playing in the National Football League (NFL) and duly impressed during four pre-season games as a kick returner and running back.

Hayne tweeted: “It always works out. I thank God for what He has done and going to do on this incredible journey. I’m on the 53-man roster for the #49ers.”

Hayne’s impressive work rate in training and on the gridiron has not gone unnoticed by his teammates and while some outside the franchise questioned whether he would make the final squad, those inside San Francisco felt the 27-year-old looked like a “natural.”

“It’s been really fun to watch. Right off the bat you notice how well he can catch a ball,” veteran placekicker Phil Dawson said. “Catching a punt is probably one of the toughest skills in the NFL and he’s just stepped right in and looks like a natural.”

Tight end Vernon Davis said: “When it comes to Jarryd Hayne, he’s tough, he’s physical, he’s relentless.”

Hayne made sure he thanked all the people who have supported him so far on this journey, saying: “I don’t think words really describe how great it is to see so many people support me, all the Aussies.

“To see so many people get behind me and everyone over here in America obviously just having fun and chasing dreams, I can’t begin to thank them. And I thank everyone back home for their love of sport.”