Australian commercial broadcaster Seven has entered into negotiations with the NFL American football league with a view to providing specific coverage of San Francisco 49ers games during the 2015 season.
Former Australian National Rugby League player Jarryd Hayne is trying out for a place on the 49ers roster for the forthcoming campaign and has impressed with his pre-season performances.
Seven’s current deal with the league runs for five years, from 2014-15 to 2018-19. Under the contract, Seven is showing three games in a row on Sundays with digital-terrestrial channel 7mate broadcasting live coverage of the Monday Night Football game.
Australian newspaper the Daily Telegraph said Seven is now seeking an additional agreement with a focus on San Francisco – dependant on Hayne (pictured) securing a full-time contract.
“We’re obviously aware of the great interest in Jarryd and we’re expecting an answer from the NFL in next few days,” a Seven spokesman told the Telegraph.
The 49ers will finalise their 53-man roster after its final two practice matches against Denver Broncos on Saturday and San Diego Chargers on September 3.
Hayne’s no.38 jersey has already gone on sale to fans after impressive outings against Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys. If he does not make the cut for the 49ers, other NFL teams would be able to sign Hayne.
San Francisco’s regular-season schedule begins on September 14 against Minnesota Vikings.