Jarryd Hayne’s lawyer hits out at ‘unfortunate’ GWS Giants scandal

Jarryd Hayne’s high profile lawyer has hit out after the former NRL star was dragged into the ugly GWS Giants post-season scandal.

The lawyer of former NRL star Jarryd Hayne is furious his client was dragged into the GWS post-season party scandal.

Last week AFL CEO Andrew Dillon announced suspensions and fines for some GWS players involved in the club’s “Wacky Wednesday”.

The incident took place at a post-season event with a dress-up theme of “celebrity couples”, and the league came down hard on those involved.

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The AFL integrity unit interviewed players and officials at the Giants and handed down some hefty penalties, including a four-game suspension for 20-year-old Josh Fahey — who is currently without a contract — for the start of the 2025 season.

“Today gives me no pleasure standing here,” Dillon said. “These sanctions have been determined by an AFL and GWS Giants investigation.

“In the view of the AFL, and the GWS Giants, some of the skits were completely unacceptable and totally at odds with the club’s and the code’s values.

Several GWS Giants players have been fined and suspended. Photo: Phil Hillyard.

“Josh Fahey dressed as a former NRL player and Jake Riccardi as a taxi driver.

“Fahey simulated inappropriate acts on a sex doll. Riccardi was not involved in that part of the skit.

“Toby McMullin and Cooper Hamilton simulated the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

“Harvey Thomas dressed as a particular professional sportsman and Joe Fonti as a girl acting inappropriately.

“Jake Riccardi, Cooper Hamilton, Toby McMullin, Harvey Thomas and Joe Fonti have been suspended for two matches each.

“Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield have been fined $5000 each. “Club leaders including Toby Greene and Tom Green … have been fined $5000 each.”

Josh Fahey dressed as a former NRL player. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos)

Jarryd Hayne was cleared earlier this year. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

It was reported some of the antics included players dressing up as ex-NRL star Jarryd Hayne along with a blow-up sex doll.

Hayne was cleared in June this year of sexual assault — he was released from prison after winning an appeal against a rape conviction.

The former Parramatta Eels star had a near-six-year legal battle, including three trials and two convictions. He walked free from prison earlier this year.

Hayne’s lawyer, Margaret Cunneen, SC, told the Daily Telegraph the references to Hayne in the GWS function were “unfortunate”.

“It’s unfortunate that Mr Hayne’s face is used in reportage of this fancy dress party given the restoration of his good character and quashing of his conviction in by the Court of Criminal Appeal,” Cunneen said.

Hayne, 36, is making a return to rugby league, joining Fiji’s coaching staff as a mentor for the Pacific Championships.

GWS captain Toby Greene was fined for a lack of leadership. Photo: Phil Hillyard.

GWS condemned the behaviour at the post-season function.

“There is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour that took place and we’re very distressed by some of the incidents that occurred,” Giants chief executive David Matthews said in a statement.

“As a club built on the values of inclusiveness and respect for all, it was a clear breach of the club’s policies and values as well as a significant departure from the standards of behaviour that we expect of our players.

“We have taken these matters seriously from the outset with a full investigation by the club, alongside the AFL.

“On behalf of the club, I apologise to our members, partners and all stakeholders.

“The players involved have apologised unreservedly for their behaviour and take responsibility for contravening the standards we expect in relation to respect, equality, inclusion and safety.

“We believe this is an isolated incident, but we understand the severity of the situation and the sanctions reflect that. As a club, alongside the AFL playing group, we take full responsibility and are implementing measures to ensure this never happens again.”

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne’s lawyer hits out at ‘unfortunate’ GWS Giants scandal