Former rugby league star Jarryd Hayne, a two-time Dally M Medal recipient, has made headlines following his return to the sport. At 37, Hayne spoke to 9News after a victorious match with the Wentworthville Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup, admitting that while he enjoyed most of the game, the last ten minutes were a struggle for him.
This comeback at Ringrose Park represents a significant shift from his previous experiences in the NFL and State of Origin. Hayne’s journey has been tumultuous; he was released from prison less than a year ago after a lengthy legal battle that culminated in a conviction for sexual assault, which was later overturned on appeal. Throughout this ordeal, he has consistently maintained his innocence.
Reflecting on his challenging past, Hayne described the experience as a “journey” and expressed a forward-looking attitude, stating, “It’s life, you know, we move forward.” He admitted that he never anticipated returning to rugby league, having taken a break from the sport for several years. “I probably didn’t miss it until probably a year or two ago,” he shared. The hiatus proved beneficial, and he enjoyed engaging in other sports like touch footy and Oztag during that time.
Yesterday marked Hayne’s first competitive rugby league game in seven years. He emphasised that for him, the main goal is to have fun and rediscover the joy of playing football alongside his teammates. The game signifies not just a return to sport but also a path towards rebuilding his life after a turbulent period.