Jarryd Hayne committed to stand trial over alleged sexual assault

Two-time NRL player-of-the-year Jarryd Hayne has been permitted to attend a Christian missionary school in Perth until his trial on sexual assault charges in late 2020.

Two-time NRL player-of-the-year Jarryd Hayne has been permitted to attend a Christian missionary school in Perth until his trial on sexual assault charges in late 2020.

The former Parramatta fullback, who was twice awarded the Dally M medal as the NRL’s best player, stood in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday as magistrate Robert Stone committed him for trial in the NSW District Court.

The 31-year-old has not yet formally pleaded but his lawyer has previously indicated he denies sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman in Newcastle in September 2018.

Jarryd Hayne arrives at Newcastle Court this morning. Picture: Darren Pateman

Hayne, who played eight games of American football in the NFL after quitting Parramatta in 2014, was earlier successful in getting his bail conditions varied to allow him to live in Perth and attend a Christian college.

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The Perth arm of the evangelical community organisation Youth with a Mission runs a broad range of training courses which, it says, can lead directly to related ministry opportunities.

Two letters from YWAM Perth were presented to Mr Stone to assist Hayne’s application, which was opposed by prosecutor Hamish Fitzhardinge on the grounds varying bail could put the community at risk.

Hayne’s barrister, Richard Pontello, told the court that while participating in the course the former footballer would be staying a short walk away in a dormitory for adult males only.

“(The course providers) are aware of the nature of the charges and Mr Hayne’s background, having gone through the formal application process,” he said.

The 31-year-old is facing two counts of aggravated sexual assault. Picture: Darren Pateman

“He’s been assessed as suitable with full disclosure.”

Mr Stone said the risk to the community could be mitigated by continuing to require Hayne to report to police three times a week and by requiring the course provider to notify prosecutors if he failed to attend classes.

The court on Wednesday was told Hayne’s trial isn’t expected to start before September 2020.

Hayne is accused of twice sexually assaulting the woman and recklessly inflicting actual bodily harm on the night of the 2018 NRL Grand Final.

He’s expected to return to court on July 25 for arraignment.