Jarryd Hayne produced the best return of his short NFL career to provide the only highlight reel play on a horrendous afternoon for the San Francisco 49ers.
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While the 49ers slumped to their second consecutive loss, thumped 47-7 by the Arizona Cardinals, Hayne continued his development with an impressive 37-yard punt return in the first half.
Following what seemed like a snubbing of Hayne a week earlier in the 43-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hayne put his name up in lights with his first major contribution of the NFL regular season.
There were fears Hayne was somewhat out of favour with the coaching staff, who appeared to have put the brakes on the 27-year-old's development given his limited opportunities in Pittsburgh.
While those chances didn't really increase against a clinical Cardinals outfit, Hayne provided a timely reminder of his worth with the only bright spot in a bleak outing for the hapless 49ers, as quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw four intercept passes.
Hayne may have impressed on punt return, but once again rookie Mike Davis was chosen as the team's second running back ahead of the former NRL superstar.
The 49ers defense spent the majority of the match on the field trying to withstand the Cardinals onslaught, however it doesn't look any better next week with the Niners to host Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
But Hayne's 37-yard punt return will ensure he doesn't fall off the radar, earning a spot on the official NFL twitter feed with his efforts.
The commentators were equally as impressed.
"The two time MVP of the Australian Rugby league - his first big impact play now playing in the NFL," Thom Brennaman said.
Charles Davis elaborated saying: "This is where he was able to adapt to the game so well".
"Yes, he fumbled the first one he returned on Monday night football. But this is what he's used to doing. As a rugby player what do you do? You evade, you dodge, you make your way without what? Blocking."
Niners Digest reporter Chris Biderman called Hayne the 49ers MVP of the match.
"Jarryd Hayne might have been the San Francisco 49ers' MVP through the first half of Sunday's game in Arizona," Biderman said.
"With Kaepernick's four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns on San Francisco's first two possessions, there weren't many (any?) bright spots, aside from Hayne, in the first two quarters for the 49ers.
"Sunday was only Hayne's seventh football game of his life, while he continues to write a memorable script as he makes his transition from Rugby League to the NFL."
