(Reuters) - Australian rugby league convert Jarryd Hayne is set to realize his dream of playing in the National Football League after making the San Francisco 49ers final roster on Saturday.
Hayne's selection into the 53-man squad completed an emotional journey for an iron-willed 27-year-old who stunned his country by walking away from a glittering career in the top-flight National Rugby League a year ago.
With no prior experience of American football, Hayne cried last October when he announced he would pursue the most unlikely of dreams.
But four highlight-laden displays in the pre-season games confirmed the 49ers' faith and left Hayne celebrating with overjoyed family members who flew to California.