Jarryd Hayne’s NRL Return Hangs in the Balance After Injury Forces Exit from Nines Tournament

Jarryd Hayne’s hopes of making a rugby league comeback have hit a significant setback, as the former NRL superstar was forced to withdraw from the opening games of the Nines Premier League carnival on the Gold Coast due to injury. Despite being named as a starter for the United team, Hayne was notably absent from the warm-up session and was ultimately ruled out of action for the day. The 36-year-old is reportedly dealing with a hamstring injury, though it’s uncertain whether he will participate in the tournament at all.

This injury marks a cruel twist in Hayne’s comeback journey, as the two-time Dally M Medal winner had been linked to a return to the NRL. Speculation has surrounded his potential involvement with the Parramatta Eels’ feeder club, the Wentworthville Magpies, which could serve as the starting point for his return to the top level of rugby league. Hayne’s career, once marked by electrifying performances, was put on hold after his 2009 season, widely considered one of the best individual campaigns in NRL history. In 2014, he again won the prestigious Dally M Medal, only to make an abrupt exit from the game soon after in pursuit of an NFL career.

Hayne’s brief stint in the NFL saw him play eight games for the San Francisco 49ers in 2015. However, his return to the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans in 2016 was underwhelming, and his last appearance in a competitive match came in 2018 at the Gold Coast Nines tournament. Since then, Hayne’s life off the field has been marred by legal battles, including three court cases and a two-year prison sentence. In June of last year, Hayne’s conviction for sexual assault was overturned on appeal, which has allowed him to start thinking about his future again.

Having kept a relatively low profile since his legal troubles, Hayne has expressed a desire to return to rugby league. He was part of the Fiji Bati’s support team during the 2023 Pacific Championships, and his involvement in the tournament reignited his aspirations. While his appearance at the Nines tournament remains uncertain, Hayne is reportedly close to signing with Wentworthville Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup, with the ultimate aim of earning a spot back in the NRL with the Parramatta Eels. His journey, filled with highs and lows, is far from over as he continues to chase a remarkable rugby league comeback.