Jarryd Hayne makes San Francisco 49ers final 53-man roster but Efe Obada cut by Dallas Cowboys

  • Hayne quit the NRL last October and has been named on the San Francisco 49ers' initial 53-man roster
  • He has dazzled in preseason, leading the 49ers in rushing and ranked third in the NFL on punt returns
  • He took to Twitter to express his delight at the news
  • The 49ers start the season with a home game against the Vikings
  • Meanwhile, England's Obada was cut but he is expected to be named on the Cowboys' practice squad 

By Peter Carline for MailOnline

Published: 16:36 EST, 5 September 2015 | Updated: 19:29 EST, 5 September 2015

While Efe Obada's Cinderella story took a backward step, Jarryd Hayne's inexorable march to the NFL was confirmed.

Obada was waived by the Dallas Cowboys, but the former factory worker is expected to make the practice squad.

But Hayne, who quit the NRL last October, was named on the San Francisco 49ers' initial 53-man roster.

'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 (hash)49ers,' a jubilant Hayne screamed on Twitter.

Jarryd Hayne captivated during the preseason and has made the 49ers' final 53-man roster

Jarryd Hayne captivated during the preseason and has made the 49ers' final 53-man roster

Hayne torments the San Diego Chargers in the last of his four preseason games

Hayne torments the San Diego Chargers in the last of his four preseason games

His quest to realise his dream has caught the eye in his native Australia and across the USA thanks to some sensational preseason performances.

the 27-year-old led the 49ers in rushing and ranked third in the NFL on punt returns with 163 yards on nine attempts.

'He's a guy that didn’t play football,' 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said last week. 'When you see the space play, and you saw that right away, he’s done that all his life... We watched film of him playing rugby, so you know those things are there.

'You’ve got a lot more of assignment-orientated things. And then, starting to see him as we got into team periods in camp, to see him working in those tight spaces. And he’s improving daily. He is.'

Meanwhile, it is unlikely we have heard the last of Obada, who possesses all the attributes to succeed as a defensive end.

At 6ft 6in and 265 pounds, his 83-inch wingspan is perfect for the position and it he is likely to be retained by the Cowboys as a project. 

Efe Obada (left) chats with Adrian Peterson after the Cowboys' loss to the Vikings in preseason

Efe Obada (left) chats with Adrian Peterson after the Cowboys' loss to the Vikings in preseason

Obada is expected to join the Cowboys' 10-man practice squad following his initial 

Obada is expected to join the Cowboys' 10-man practice squad following his initial 

He had played just five games of American football for the London Warriors before being plucked from obscurity in April.

Signed to a three-year, $1.5million deal, Obada made it through OTAs, minicamp and the first round of cuts. 

Other high-profile releases included much-travelled quarterback Tim Tebow, who was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles.

After trading Matt Barkley to Arizona many thought the former Heisman Trophy winner would make the grade.

But not for the first time, his career has taken another unexpected turn.

Another chapter in the turbulent career of Tim Tebow is closed following his release by the Eagles

Another chapter in the turbulent career of Tim Tebow is closed following his release by the Eagles

Elsewhere, defensive tackle Devon Still was released by the Cincinnati Bengals.

He captured hearts and minds following his daughter Leah's cancer battle of his daughter Leah last year. She is now in remission.

The Buffalo Bills released veteran quarterback Matt Cassel.

Signed from Minnesota in the offseason, he was expected to start under center. Yet Tyrod Taylor was given the nod with EJ Manuel as back-up.

And Reggie Wayne asked to released shortly after joining the New England Patriots from the Colts. He is expected to announce his retirement.

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