SUPPORTERS of Jarryd Hayne have blown up after an ABC program made light of the 27-year-old’s achievements in the NFL.

Media Watch host Paul Barry bore the brunt of criticism on social media from irate fans after lambasting the Australian media for frothing over Hayne’s every move since he made the decision to swap codes last year.

Barry started off by saying: “So what was all the excitement about a sport no one watches and a score that never happened?” in reference to Hayne’s near touchdown for the San Francisco 49ers in their match against the New York Giants last week.

He then went on to question why Hayne was attracting all the attention when there are plenty of other Australian sportsmen trying to make it big in other codes over in the US.

“So why all the fuss?” said Barry.

“We don’t hear that much about Andrew Bogut, Australia’s highest paid sportsman, who plays basketball in the US for the Golden State Warriors.

“And even less about Grant Balfour, Marcos Ambrose, Patty Mills and Dante Exum, also in the top 10 in BRW’s sporting rich list who have set the States on fire.”

He then ridicules Hayden Knowles, Hayne’s former trainer, for claiming that his ex-client’s story will be considered the biggest sports story of the past 100 years.

“Oh really?” said Barry.

“It’s not yet quite there as story of the century, but there’s 85 years to go.”

Clearly fans didn’t appreciate Barry’s tone or his opinion judging by the overwhelmingly negative reaction on social media.

Wow that #mediawatch story on #JarrydHayne switching to NFL is the most ignorant thing I've ever seen on television. — Bence Hamerli (@BenceHamerli) October 19, 2015

... tonight's #mediawatch attack on #JarrydHayne was UNBELIEVABLE ... why? ... the #ABC is spending my money an inexplicable petty vendetta — David Morisset (@rivowriter) October 19, 2015

I'm a fan of @ABCmediawatch but that Jarryd Hayne piece reeked of nastiness and ignorance of the magnitude of what he's doing. #mediawatch — Antfarmer (@antfarmer) October 19, 2015

The mean-spirited mocking of the Jarryd Hayne coverage by @mediawatch was appalling and shows a failure to understand the scale of his feat. — Graeme Pringle (@ElGnirp1) October 19, 2015

The #mediawatch segment on Jarryd Hayne was so bad. Such an attempt at a hot sportsball take from people who clearly have no idea — Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) October 19, 2015

The former Parramatta Eels fullback made the decision to leave the NRL to pursue his American dream just over 12 months ago, and has enjoyed a bumpy ride since finding a home in San Francisco under coach Jim Tomsula.

Hayne starred in the pre-season as a punt returner, announcing himself to an American audience with some remarkable runs. But he has found the going tougher in the regular season, struggling for game time and not having the same impact.

He fumbled his first touch in the NFL in the Niners’ first-start win over the Minnesota Vikings, and has had to adjust to playing running back. His biggest play in the NFL to date came against the Arizona Cardinals when he made a 37-yard punt return, but he showed his inexperience on Monday against the Baltimore Ravens when he fumbled his first punt of the game.

Despite his error, the 49ers broke a four-game losing streak with a 25-20 win over the Ravens.

The ex-NSW and Australian representative’s story continues to fascinate Australians and Americans alike, with US commentators equal parts amazed and confused by the man they continually refer to as a “former rugby player”.

Hayne will be hoping to atone for his most recent fumble when the 49ers’ take on bitter rivals the Seattle Seahawks on October 22.

media_camera Hayne lines up in the back field against the Baltimore Ravens.

TOMSULA SAYS HAYNE ‘IMPROVING’

SAN Francisco 49ers coach Jim Tomsula has given a lukewarm assessment of Hayne as a running back.

The former NRL star came on the field for numerous plays in the 49ers’ 25-20 victory against the Baltimore Ravens yesterday, but he was never handed the ball.

On one play Hayne failed to block two Raven defenders who sacked 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

“Improving,” Tomsula said today when asked about Hayne and the 49ers’ other rookie running back, Mike Davis.

“Are they as good as our starter? No.

“They’re not there yet, but they are improving and we like both of them.”

The 49ers’ running back stocks were depleted with the team’s star at the position, Carlos Hyde, playing with a foot injury while Reggie Bush has appeared briefly in just three of the season’s six games.

In those three games Bush failed to stay on the field, limping off with a calf strain.

“Carlos Hyde to me is a special runner,” Tomsula said.

Bush is expected to be healthy and back up Hyde for Friday’s (AEDT) crucial game with arch rival the Seattle Seahawks.

Hayne, who also plays punt returner, is expected to be the third running back option and Davis will likely be dropped from the 46-man squad to play the Seahawks.

“Right now I’m very optimistic where Reggie is,” Tomsula said.

Hayne had his third fumble of the season when a Ravens player was able to claw the ball out of his hands on his only punt return of the day.

Hayne said he was “devastated” by the latest fumble, although a 49ers’ team-mate did recover the loose ball.

“I was obviously devastated with the fumble,” Hayne said.

“We always talk about that — the most dangerous man is the man you don’t see.

“I’m sure I’ll be asked about that during the week.”

— with AAP

Originally published as ‘Most ignorant thing I’ve seen on TV’