Updated: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015 at 1.30 p.m. AEST
Australian sportsman Jarryd Hayne made his NFL debut at 7:20pm Pacific time, or 12.20 p.m. Tuesday AEST, as part of the season kickoff game.
The former rugby league star lined up with the San Francisco 49ers against the Minnesota Vikings, the culmination of an epic journey from the western suburbs of Sydney to the U.S. -- where he'll have the chance show what he can do in one of the world's largest leagues.
49ers head coach Jim Tomsula had refused to be drawn all week on whether Hayne would play in the season opener. But on Tuesday, the 49ers released its list of the game's inactive players -- and Hayne's name wasn't on it.
Players inactive for tonight's game. #MNF #BeatTheVikings pic.twitter.com/6WANxV4PNi— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 15, 2015
It wasn't an entirely auspicious start, however, as Hayne apparently fumbled a punt return in his first touch of the season.
Sorry to break this to you Australia but Jarryd Hayne's first official NFL touch: he fumbled a punt return, through arms & off his left knee— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 15, 2015
Bugger.. Tough first play for Hayne. Hope he gets another chance to return soon!— Matthew Dellavedova (@matthewdelly) September 15, 2015
Now that he's playing in the big game, Hayne also has the major sponsors to go with it. On Monday, it was announced that he would become a representative of U.S. sports brand Under Armour, joining the likes of Tom Brady and Michael Phelps.
Proud to add @JarrydHayne_1 to the @UnderArmour roster. #TeamUA #ProtectThisHouse #IWILL @UnderArmourAust pic.twitter.com/OGGaU5fwGI— Under Armour (@UnderArmour) September 13, 2015
Whichever way Tuesday's game goes though, sales of the No. 38 jersey may well be about to go through the roof.