Jarryd Hayne stars in first official return to rugby league since 2018

Jarryd Hayne officially returned to rugby league on Sunday as he pulled on the boots for the first time since his final NRL game in 2018.

Jarryd Hayne has officially made his return to rugby league after playing for the Wentworthville Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup on Sunday.

The two-time Dally M winner starred as the Magpies took down the Canterbury Bulldogs 22-14 at Ringrose Park, Sydney.

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The 37-year-old lined up as the five-eighth, a position he last played during the 2017 World Cup for Fiji.

Hayne’s return was delayed after the former Parramatta Eels Grand Finalist suffered a hamstring injury with medical staff electing to err on the side of caution.

He showed no signs of the injury on Sunday as the Magpies produced a come from behind victory.

Hayne in action during his rugby league return. Picture: Backgrid/news.com.au

Hayne played his part for the Magpies. Picture: Backgrid/news.com.au

The Bulldogs went into the sheds at halftime holding the 14-10 advantage but it was one-way traffic in the second half as the Magpies soared.

With the score tied at 14-all, Hayne threw a cut-out pass to set up winger Austin Quast to score.

Hayne came close to scoring himself, giving a nice pass to second-rower Felix Niutili-Schmidt before nearly going over for a four-pointer on the ensuing play.

Tries to Quast, Jordan Hill and Liam Scolari all came within a blistering 13-minute display as they took the lead and never looked back.

Hayne appeared in good spirits, celebrating with his teammates after setting up a try and also exchanging words with opposition players at one point of the contest.

Few words were exchanged between the players. Picture: Backgrid/news.com.au

Hayne taking on the challengers and setting up his teammates. Picture: Backgrid/news.com.au

The return to rugby league comes after Hayne spent nearly two years in prison due to sexual assault charges.

Those convictions were quashed by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal in June last year with Hayne ultimately walking free.

He played his last NRL game in 2018 but has been looking to get back to the top of the sport since being released.

Hayne’s return was a success. Picture: Backgrid/news.com.au

He recently was one of several former NRL players who played in the 2025 Nines Premier League trophy but spent minimal time on the field due to hamstring concerns.

And while irrespective of how he performs for the Magpies this season it would shock to see him return to the NRL, Hayne has reportedly set his sights on representing Fiji again at the end of this year if he can get his body in good enough shape.

Hayne was previously part of Fiji’s 2008 and 2017 World Cup squads.

He also represented the Pacific nation in rugby sevens after a brief stint in the NFL stint with the San Francisco 49ers.

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne stars in first official return to rugby league since 2018