NFL

Hayne praised by San Francisco 49ers coach

Kelly also doused speculation the 49ers were planning to cut Hayne, which led to the Australian making a face-saving exit.

The 49ers instead were bullish on Hayne, praising his ability to pick up Kelly's new offence and excited about using his powerful, 188cm body and skills.

"He's a really sharp learner," Kelly told reporters on Tuesday at the 49ers' Santa Clara facility.

"We were excited. He's a big body and has a skill set."

49ers' Jarryd Hayne says moving to the NFL was like being 'put out in the wild’

In a lengthy interview, the 49ers player spoke glowingly about his off-season break over the Australian summer, the challenges of learning a new system under a rejigged regime, and revealed a recently acquired distaste for coffee.

Quizzed about returning to his former NRL side as a spectator, Hayne said he was made to feel right back at home.

"They are a very loyal fan base, very similar to the 49ers fans ... they've been through some hard times".

"There was nothing but love. When I left they waved me goodbye - and when I came back they welcomed me with open arms."