The success or otherwise of Jarryd Hayne's tilt at the NFL will likely depend upon the guidance of San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula.
Hayne announced on Tuesday that he'd earned a $US100,000 ($128,000) rookie contract with the 49ers, after Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers also showed interest in the former NRL superstar, five months after quitting rugby league.
The 27-year-old described the opportunity as "surreal" but was under no illusions that the next step on his path to try to crack the NFL will be the hardest.
Hayne will be given up to 20 weeks to prove himself before Tomsula cuts his roster for the next NFL season from 90 players to 53.
Known for his unorthodox approach, Tomsula, who once lived in his Cadillac with his dog and cat early on in his coaching career, has a good knowledge of the rugby codes from his time coaching in the NFL's European feeder competition.
Tomsula best understands the transitional challenges ahead of him, according to Hayne, who initially rejected the idea of joining the 49ers until Jim Harbaugh was replaced by Tomsula in January.
"They were about to lose their head coach from all media reports and the plan was to go to a stable environment," Hayne said.
"There were was a lot of question marks, but I said I'd go. I ended up meeting Jim Tomsula the current head coach, and we spent about an hour together.
"He was the one coach who knew the transition better than anyone and knew what it was going to take for me to make the transition.
"When Jim (Harbaugh) left and Tomsula got the job, the one guy I spent the most time with was the new head coach."
Tomsula later on Tuesday expressed his delight at the signing of Hayne on Twitter.
"Everyone welcome former Rugby star Jarryd Hayne," he wrote before posting a video of Hayne at his sidestepping best.
Hayne said that from discussions with Tomsula he would attempt to become a running back.
Former Australian NFL star Colin Scotts suggested Hayne could make it as a punt returner.
"That's the spot I can really see him making it in," he said.
"There is no doubt he has got the skills, it just depends on how he goes over the next few months.
"If he wants to become a running back there are so many plays to learn, it's like telephone book thick.
"Punt returner could be a better way."
Hayne thanked Parramatta for releasing him from his contract to chase his NFL dream.
But he admitted that dream is still a lot of hard work away.
He will travel to the US in the next fortnight, before beginning training on April 10.
"It feels surreal," Hayne said.
"This is a small step in the right direction, it all starts now."
"Mentally I'm ready to do anything it takes.
"It's a massive leap of faith.
"I honestly don't know what to expect."
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