‘A different person now’: Hayne handed rugby league lifeline

Jarryd Hayne has found his way back into rugby league – though only at a semi-professional level, for the time being – after picking up a playing deal with the Wentworthville Magpies.

Hayne spent nearly two years in jail over sexual assault charges before he was released last June after his convictions were quashed through NSW Court appeals. He had three times faced similar proceedings before being found not guilty.

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The 34-year-old has joined the Magpies playing group where he’ll push for a starting role eight years after last playing in the NRL; he made 15 appearances that season in his second stint with the Eels. The former Parramatta fullback is also expected to take up a coaching role.

The Ron Massey Cup where the Wenthworthville club competes (and has won six premierships) is a semi-professional rugby league comp and is widely considered the feeder grade for the NSW Cup.

The second-tier club thought long and hard about the decision, Wentworthville Magpies president Elias Kassab said, and eventually decided that everyone “deserves a second chance” — especially when they’ve shown a growth in character.

“We looked thoroughly into this before making the decision to have Jarryd join us,” Kassab said. “He’s a different person now. We’re happy he’ll be playing for us and working with the little ones coming through the grades. A lot of people will have their opinions, but we know how sincere Jarryd is in wanting to give back to the game in a positive fashion.

“Last season he spent time of his own accord coming down to spend time with the little ones and our senior boys, which had a really positive impact.

“We… give anyone a second chance so long as they’re sincere; Jarryd has been nothing but sincere.”

Possible spikes in ticket sales also played a role, some at the club have suggested.

As for whether Hayne starts, things are pending. Kassab said it would be “up to the coach” to pick the team, though considering Hayne is considered among the best to have ever pulled on the no.1 jersey, the Magpies staff may lean that way to start.

The Magpies get things started in 2025 against Ryde-Eastwood on March 15.

The now highly-anticipated match will be at Ringrose Park.