Paul Hayward’s grandson Bailey starring in SG Ball for Sydney Roosters

FORTY years after Newtown halfback Paul Hayward was infamously arrested in Thailand for smuggling 8.4kg heroin, his grandson is launching a rugby league career of his own.

Bailey Hayward never knew his grandfather and convicted drug smuggler Paul Hayward.

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BAILEY Hayward never knew his grandfather, but he knows the stories. The sins and the successes.

How Paul Hayward played six seasons for the Newtown Jets in the NSWRL in the 1970s. That he was such a good boxer he was chosen to represent Australia in boxing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, but turned professional and couldn’t compete.

And he knows how his grandfather’s life fell apart when he was arrested in Thailand for attempting to export 8.4kg of heroin to Australia and spent 12 years in a Bangkok prison.

Although Bailey Hayward was born nine years after his grandfather overdosed on heroin and died in 1992, the 16-year-old rising footy star wants to make him proud.

Hayward was an up and coming player for Newtown before his life fell apart.

Hayward is part of the Sydney Roosters’ SG Ball side, a halfback like his late grandfather.

Paul Hayward played for the Jets from 1973 to 1978, even earning a place on tour with a Sydney representative side to New Zealand in 1976.

But his life changed forever when, after the 1978 season ended, Hayward was sent by his brother-in-law, convicted criminal Neddy Smith, to Bangkok to arrange a drug deal.

Hayward was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being caught with a suitcase full of heroin.

While in Klong Prem Central Prison Hayward contracted HIV before being released on a royal pardon in 1989, just three years before his death in Sydney.

Bailey Hayward is a talented footy player selected in the Roosters SG Ball team this year. Picture: Brett Costello

Hayward’s son Brad said he still considered him a “decent man who made a mistake”, which ultimately cost him his life.

Bailey Hayward shares his grandfather’s on-field tenacity and toughness, and wants to use that to reach the top.

“I’d like to see myself as someone who directs the team around, not someone who is fancy. Someone who steers the ship,” Bailey said.

“There is a lot of hard yards to get through before I reach the big stage. But there are stepping stones from now I am prepared to put in the effort — nothing can beat putting in the hard work.

“Hopefully it will pay off and I can get the reward in the end. I like to do the little extras when I’m not training, those that can give you an advantage. I feel confident I can make it but you need a little bit of luck and take every opportunity you can.”

Hayward (face covered) was convicted of drug smuggling.

Brad has told his son all about Paul.

“I didn’t know him. Pop had passed before I was born. But the stories I have been told, I am sure he regretted what he did. But that was his life,” Bailey Hayward said.

“What happened, happened and there was nothing he could do to change it. He just had to cop it and live with it. It was a mistake. He would have been angry at himself once he did it, upset. Like: “I shouldn’t have done this, why did I do this?’

“It must have been tough (in a Bangkok prison). Dad told me he was tough and would have been all right.

“It would have been hard on my grandmother, raising three kids and my Dad not really having a father figure around. To her credit, she did an amazing job. It was a struggle, not many could do that.”

“Dad told me Pop wasn’t the best player out there or the most skilful but he got through on hard work. He was determined, hardworking and passionate. Pop wouldn’t let anyone get past him — he was real tough. He would do everything he could to win.

Hayward pictured with his father Brad.

“Pop was also the Australian boxing champion. He boxed a bit with (legendary trainer) Johnny Lewis. He had to make a decision between boxing and league and he chose league.”

Hayward was great mates with Lewis and even made the boxing trainer the godfather to his son, Brad. Once Paul died, Lewis became a mentor and father figure to Brad, and now Bailey.

“The opportunities are there for Bailey at the moment,” Brad said. “He’s a good kid and has his head screwed on. He loves his footy. Bailey never gives up. The main thing for me is when he goes out there he gives it everything.”

Brad Hayward said it was a difficult time for his mum Gail and sisters Kellie and Belinda while Paul was incarcerated. Gail now goes to watch Bailey play games.

“I can’t remember watching Dad play — I was only six years old when he got pinched,” Brad said. “It wasn’t an ideal situation I guess but we didn’t go without anything. My mum, we are very thankful to her. She did it all on her own. She never had another bloke, she waited for my dad.

“Everything I have been told, he was a really good man. He made one mistake and it was a big one which ultimately cost him.

“What he did do he was doing for his family, not that it makes it right. He was a decent person. I’m very proud of my father. I know why he did it but I’m not embarrassed by him or ashamed by him. That’s life, we all make mistakes.”

Originally published as Paul Hayward’s grandson Bailey starring in SG Ball for Sydney Roosters