Jarryd Hayne’s rape trial will start in Newcastle on Monday

Jarryd Hayne will head to Newcastle next week to defend sexual assault charges. The woman at the centre of the allegation will be the first to give evidence.

Jarryd Hayne when playing for the Parramatta Eels. His rape trial will start on Monday. Hillyard

Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne will head to Newcastle on Monday to defend sexual assault charges and the woman at the centre of the allegation will be the first to give evidence.

The Former Eels and Titans back pleaded not guilty to two charges of aggravated sexual assault in the Hunter Valley.

Police allege the Dally M medallist caught a taxi to a woman’s house in the Newcastle area on NRL grand final night on September 20, 2018.

In Newcastle District Court on Thursday, Crown Prosecutor Brian Costello and Hayne’s lawyer Penny Musgrave confirmed the jury trial was ready to go.

Former NRL player Jarryd Hayne will head to Newcastle next week for the start of his trial (AAP Image/Darren Pateman)

The complainant in Hayne’s trial is set to give evidence on Monday. (Photo by James Gourley/The Daily Telegraph)

“We are ready to commence the trial,” Mr Costello said.

“We should be in position to commence the complainant evidence in the afternoon (on Monday).”

The court heard the estimated length for the trial would be two weeks, before Judge Peter Whitford SC.

There’s also expected to be a considerable number of people who attend, including a strong media presence.

“We would benefit from one of the larger courtrooms,” Mr Costello added.

Originally, a trial date was set for May 4 this year, but the coronavirus pandemic saw the high profile case vacated as a jury wouldn’t be available.

Instead it was relisted until November with his bail continued until then.