Jarryd Hayne is making strides towards a potential return to rugby league, although the two-time Dally M Medal winner acknowledges that re-entering the NRL is a challenging prospect. Now 37, Hayne has signed with the Wentworthville Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup, a competition one tier below the reserve grade in New South Wales.
Hayne’s time away from the game has been tumultuous; he has not played since 2018 following a sexual assault conviction that resulted in a two-year prison sentence. He was released in 2024 after a successful appeal. His move to join Wentworthville could set the stage for a comeback to the NRL, but Hayne remains pragmatic about the slim chances of this.
In a recent interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, he expressed a desire to focus on representing Fiji rather than solely aiming for the NRL. “The fairytale would be returning to the NRL, but I’m realistic now. That’s long odds and not my focus,” he stated. Hayne’s immediate goal is to play Test football for Fiji, which is scheduled to face Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands later this year.
Despite his previous successes, Hayne recognises the challenges of readjusting to the physical demands of the game after such a lengthy absence. He noted, “When you’re playing regularly, you get used to the contact, but after being out of it for so long, it takes time for your body to adapt again.” His plan is to first establish his fitness and performance with Wentworthville, stating that “it starts with getting my body right.”
Throughout his career, Hayne made significant contributions across various levels, helping end a long losing streak for the NSW Blues in the State of Origin. Over 214 first-grade matches for the Parramatta Eels and Gold Coast Titans, he scored 121 tries and even had a brief stint in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.
Recently, he participated in the Nines Premier League but faced a setback due to a hamstring injury, casting doubt on his imminent debut with the Magpies. Wentworthville is set to kick off their Ron Massey Cup season against Ryde-Eastwood next Saturday at Ringrose Park.
Despite the obstacles ahead, Hayne’s story reflects a pursuit of redemption and a passion for the game that continues to motivate him as he moves forward.