League: Tuivasa-Sheck could make NFL - Friend

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has become a genuine superstar for the Sydney Roosters this year.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has become a genuine superstar for the Sydney Roosters this year.
Sydney Roosters captain Jake Friend says he has no doubt star fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could make a successful NFL switch if he wanted.

Rugby league convert Jarryd Hayne is causing a sensation in his attempt to make the San Francisco 49ers' 53-man roster, starring in his first two pre-season games.

Some have tipped Hayne to open doors for his fellow NRL stars in the lucrative American sporting market.

San Francisco special teams co-ordinator Thomas McGaughey says he would welcome any rugby league player who could step up to the plate like Hayne.

South Sydney prop Thomas Burgess, for one, has expressed a desire to make it in the NFL and is keenly following Hayne's progress.

Hayne is impressing with his speed, acceleration, catching, palm and ability in open-field and Friend said on Tuesday Tuivasa-Sheck had the requisite skills to do similar things in American football.

The Roosters fullback is enjoying a breakout season - he tops the league for runs and kick return metres, is second for tackle breaks and last weekend broke Anthony Minichiello's record for most run metres in a season.

"[Hayne] is going to open a lot of doors for a few blokes and I'm sure Roger would go awesome over there," Friend said.

"All the best to him [Hayne]. I hope he does make it and it'll be good to see what comes of it."

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