Live: Jarryd Hayne and the San Francisco 49ers v Denver Broncos

AFTER an outstanding start to his NFL odyssey, Jarryd Hayne endured a tougher — yet still promising — time against Denver. Just a shame the announcer couldn’t get his name right.

San Francisco 49ers Jarryd Hayne warms up for the team's NFL preseason football game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

JERMAINE Hyde, this is the NFL.

After an outstanding start to his American odyssey, Jarryd Hayne endured a tougher — yet still promising — afternoon at Mile High Stadium against the Denver Broncos.

While the Australian made no yards on two rushes — and also had his name completely ballsed up by the press box announcer — he still took a nice reception for a gain of 18 yards.

Hayne also made 12 yards on his first punt return, which was certainly strong when compared to superstar Reggie Bush — who made four yards with his first two.

HAYNE HUB: ALL THE LATEST JARRYD HAYNE NEWS, VIDEOS, INTERVIEWS

Okay so the press box announcer isn't exactly a fan. Called Hayne 'Jermaine Hyde'. Which is still a fairly cool name I guess #Hydemania

— nick walshaw (@nickwalshaw) August 30, 2015

San Francisco 49ers Jarryd Hayne is hit by Denver Broncos middle linebacker Steven Johnson

Indeed, early in the game, as he watched on from the sideline, Hayne was the talk of press row after an inauspicious start to the match by Bush.

The star 49er made only four yards on his first punt return and then let the second kick bounce, resulting in a Niners restart on the three yard line.

Plenty of US journalists remain convinced Hayne will start the year as punt returner on special teams, with Bush used primarily as a running back.

Elsewhere, the former NSW Origin star had two kick offs sail over his head, one incomplete pas and another pass, sent as he raced up the sideline, sail long as he dived with arms outstretched.

The third game of the NFL pre-season is always the toughest and while Hayne didn’t enjoy the headlines of his first two games against Houston and Dallas, the Minto product still showed plenty for coach Jim Tomsula.

Certainly the Australian also remains a favourite with 49ers fans.

The Daily Telegraph again spoke with a host of travelling members of Niner Nation — and several holidaying Aussies — all who talked up the reigning Dally M medallist.

HAYNE HUB: ALL THE LATEST JARRYD HAYNE NEWS, VIDEOS, INTERVIEWS

San Francisco 49ers Jarryd Hayne (38), of Australia, returns a kickoff during the second half

“He’s a special teams stud muffin. Im very excited,” said Randy Bicker, a 49ers fan of 20 years.

“He’s what we need, he’s electrifying, he can get us started cos god knows we need it.

“He’s exactly what we need to give this team a kick in the ass.

“I think Bush may get the start, he’s been in the league, Bush is injury prone and we need a capable guy that can step in. I dont expect Bush to make the whole season without getting injured.

“(For a long time) It’s been nothing but heartache. Everyone’s talking about him.”

Another 49ers fan, Chad Bailey said: “He seems very smart, he’s very humble, willing to learn. “As a Niners fan it feels good to have someone that represents the team well.

“He’d be on my roster in special team.”

Originally published as Live: Jarryd Hayne and the San Francisco 49ers v Denver Broncos