- He was released from prison in June 2024.
- He aimed to return to the rugby league tournament.
- He has been forced to delay his return to football
Fallen NRL star Jarryd Hayne failed to show up for his much-hyped rugby league return match on Saturday, but the Hayne Plane is still set to take off again this weekend.
Hayne signed with United SC for the Premier Nines competition on the Gold Coast this weekend, a tournament packed with retired NRL players that grows each year.
But he was nowhere to be found as United overcame a 20-0 deficit to beat the North Coast Marlins by two points in their opening match on Saturday morning.
However, fans hoping to see Hayne in action will have to wait another day as the former Parramatta and Gold Coast Titans star is feeling sore ahead of his debut on Saturday.
He hopes to make his playing debut on Sunday and instead joined United's coaching staff on Saturday.
“I feel good, but the hammy is giving me a little grief right now,” he said.
Jarryd Hayne was all smiles at the Premier Nines rugby league carnival and shared a hug with former NRL star Greg Bird.
Hayne was one of the NRL's most electrifying players during his first grade career.
Hayne is making a quiet return to rugby league, starting with United SC in the Premier Nines.
'It's a bit wonky at the moment. I only have one day left before it hurts a little again.
“We'll see how we go.”
Hayne was first accused of sexually assaulting a woman on the night of the 2018 NRL Grand Final at her Newcastle home.
His first trial ended with a hung jury, but he was found guilty at his second trial and sentenced to five years and nine months in prison in May 2021.
Hayne's conviction was overturned on appeal in February 2022 and, following a third trial in 2023, he was again found guilty and sentenced to four years and nine months.
On 12 June 2024, the New South Wales Court of Criminal Appeal overturned his convictions due to miscarriages of justice and granted him bail under strict conditions.
talking to news corporation At the Premier Nines, he said there was one thing that had helped him stay strong during the saga.
“God, friend, my faith,” he said.
Hayne spoke to the media about what helped him get through his lengthy legal process.
Hayne worked with Fiji on the coaching staff during the recent Pacific Championships.
“It has been a pleasure.”
After being released from prison in June 2024, following the overturning of his sexual assault convictions, Hayne rejoined rugby league and became a mentor to the Fiji coaching staff during the Pacific Championship.
Fiji coach Wise Kativerata had previously expressed his desire to involve Hayne and the NRL approved his return to the sport.
Hayne spoke glowingly about his involvement with Fiji during the tournament.
“The camaraderie is amazing,” Hayne said.
'Fiji was a turning point for me, traveling there.
'You don't realize how much you miss it until you're in that environment again.
“That encouraged me to get back into this and run with the guys and have fun.”
Hayne praised the organizers for staging the Premier Nines, giving retired footballers the chance to relive their glory years.
“You lose yourself when you leave the game,” he said.
'Everyone enjoys it. What Ant's (Anthony Mitchell, founder of Nines) has done in the last three years is only getting bigger.
'It's not just about football. It's about the kids catching up, laughing and remembering old times.
“I want to get my body back and play in the local league somewhere near Parra and enjoy football.”