Controversial Star Jarryd Hayne Set for Rugby Comeback

Jarryd Hayne, the former NRL star, is making a comeback to rugby league at 37, playing for Wentworthville Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup, despite a high-profile legal battle and past controversy.

Jarryd Hayne is set to make a comeback to rugby league at 37, playing for the Wentworthville Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup. The former NRL star last played in 2018 and will feature in the semi-professional competition, generating significant attention.

The Ron Massey Cup, a Sydney-based third-tier competition, will be in the spotlight this week with Hayne's debut for the Magpies. His appearance is expected to draw interest, given his notorious past and experience playing for top-tier teams like the Parramatta Eels and Gold Coast Titans.

Jarryd Hayne was set to make his debut for Wentworthville Magpies, but hamstring injuries delayed his start. The club finally announced his inclusion in their matchday squad against Canterbury Bulldogs III, hailing it as “a massive IN” on social media. Wentworthville's decision to give Hayne a second chance has drawn widespread praise from fans on Facebook.

Jarryd Hayne is set to end a seven-year exile when he makes his rugby league return this weekend 🧐

The former two-time Dally M Medal winner will turn out in the Ron Massey Cup...

MORE 👉 https://t.co/FmTcvwMtqL pic.twitter.com/2RJLRKgAM9

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) May 6, 2025

Jarryd Hayne was involved in a lengthy legal battle over sexual offence charges. In May 2023, he was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for a rape offence, but later won an appeal and was released in June 2024. The charges were eventually dropped, and prosecutors decided not to pursue a fourth trial.