Jarryd Hayne says he's "never felt so alive" after securing his place on the San Francisco 49ers roster for the upcoming NFL season.

The boy from Minto faced a nervous wait as the 6am (AEST) roster deadline came and went without confirmation from his team, before Hayne himself broke the news in a tweet.

Speaking via phone conference alongside his coach Jim Tomsula, Hayne said he had been told of his place on roster by text message while sightseeing with his family.

"For them to see something different in me and want to explore that option, it’s really those guys I need to thank, for opening the door and giving me the opportunity," Hayne said.

"This whole journey was never about making a roster or being on a team.

"It was about giving myself an opportunity. I wanted to take a risk, put myself out there and put my faith in action.

"Faith without action is dead.

"This whole journey, I’ve never felt so alive."

Tomsula paid tribute to Hayne's remarkable achievement.

"Making an NFL roster, period, is an outstanding accomplishment," he said.

Jarryd Hayne has made the 49ers roster. (AAP)

"Obviously his situation is unique and I can’t say enough about his approach, the kind of person he is.

"He’s a world class athlete."

But Tomsula warned the hardest journey lay ahead for his recruit.

"The NFL can be an unforgiving business, you’re playing for your job every day," he said.

"It’s not like you make a milestone and now you’re there.

"The way I like to put it is, now you’ve got yourself to the starting line.

"It’s a long race."

Hayne admitted there had been times he had struggled as he sought to learn a new game.

"I am over the moon," he said.

"I didn’t just wake up and want to be an NFL player one day.

"It was a long process with a lot of dark days and a lot of joyous days.

"Whenever I start talking about what I’ve been through, the emotions get stirred up."

The "Hayne Plane" had impressed in four preseason matches for the 49ers as a punt and kick returner and back-up running back, with the athleticism which made him a household name in Australia again on show.

A brutal shoulder charge on a San Diego Chargers defender in Friday further cemented the belief among NFL experts the 27-year-old belonged in the foreign code.

Hayne led the 49ers and was second among all NFL players for rushing yards in the preseason with 175, with his seven-yard average a league best.

The announcement comes nearly 11 months after Hayne stunned the Australian sporting world by announcing he would leave the NRL after 176 games for Parramatta and 20 Origins for NSW.

"It always works out": Hayne uploaded this family picture to Instagram in the wake of the announcent. (Instagram)