It has been two dream starts for Jarryd Hayne in the NFL, but the new San Francisco 49ers recruit will be wearing the biggest target of his career when he suits up against the Denver Broncos today.
Hayne, the former Parramatta Eels and NSW Origin rugby league superstar, has proved many naysayers wrong in his first two games of gridiron. A 53-yard run in his debut match turned critics into (at least) curious onlookers, while a stunning second game branded #HaynePlane into the psyche of millions around the world as he led the game for rushing and punt returns.
Australian musicians The Robertson Brothers have even recorded a theme song for Hayne, appropriating the lyrics and style of 'California Love' by rapper 2Pac.
His first two opponents, the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys, could have been forgiven for not paying knowing the potential of the virtually unknown Australian -- heck, they could have been forgiven for not even knowing his name. But the 49ers' opponents today, the Denver Broncos, will not make the same mistakes. They will be looking to knock the Aussie superstar back a few notches, to remind him where he sits in the multi-billion dollar NFL empire's pecking order. He will have a target on his back, now his reputation as a real danger man has spread.
Watching today's game will be difficult for Aussies. It's not broadcast on domestic TV, but you can sign up to the NFL's online streaming service. A seven day free trial is offered, but be careful -- you could be charged up to US$250 after the trial ends. Aside from that, the NFL's Twitter account regularly posts video of match highlights through the game, and has shared several of Hayne's impressive plays already.
The match kicks off at 11am (Australian Eastern Standard Time).