Tomsula denies Hayne assured of San Francisco 49ers spot

San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Tomsula denied reports that rugby league convert Jarryd Hayne had already booked his place on the NFL team's final 53-man roster for the upcoming season. Australian international Hayne has impressed the 49ers management during pre-season with a series of performances that have edged him closer to achieving his dream of a career in American football. However Tomsula insisted on Tuesday that Australian reports Hayne had already been guaranteed a place on the regular season roster -- which must be confirmed by Saturday -- were wide of the mark. "I don't know what the rules are in the media in Australia, but you might want to fact check," Tomsula told San Francisco's KNBR radio station. "The 53 is not set." Hayne has already caught the eye with a series of runs during pre-season games against the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, where he has been used mostly on special teams. He is due to play against the San Diego Chargers on Thursday in the 49ers' final warm-up before the season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings on September 14. Tomsula said he was looking for Hayne to develop his all round game in addition to his natural catching and running skills. "I will say he's busting his tail in those other areas," Tomsula said. "Guys, we didn't teach Jarryd Hayne how to catch that ball. OK? He came here with that ability. We knew that."