Jarryd Hayne case: Tony Williams loses league contract after online comments

Former NRL player Tony Williams is paying the price for supporting convicted criminal Jarryd Hayne, losing a playing contract and getting uninvited from a premiership reunion.

FORMER Manly premiership-winner Tony Williams has been asked not to attend a reunion to celebrate the club’s 2011 title on Sunday as a result of his supportive comments of convicted criminal Jarryd Hayne.

The former Test forward, widely-known as ‘T-Rex’, has also had his contract with a US rugby league team torn-up in the wake of the social media comments.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Williams will be absent from the 10-year reunion celebrations and lap of honour to be held prior to the Sea Eagles clash with the Warriors at Brookvale Oval.

The Manly club has decided on Friday that due to Williams’ controversial comments, there was a possibility his presence on Sunday could lead to a negative tone and focus, instead of a celebration of the team’s past success.

Tony Williams has had his contract torn up.

It’s understood the club has no issue with Williams attending other gatherings considered to be “outside an official function” that the 2011 squad may organise.

But the club isn’t prepared to run the risk of his presence on Sunday being overtaken by negativity.

Williams played in the back row for Manly in their 24-10 2011 grand final win over the Warriors.

He played 74 games in total for the Sea Eagles from 2009 to 2012.

The only other players from the 2011 premiership-winning side that are unable to attend are Manly duo Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran, Bulldogs veteran Will Hopoate and Penrith coaching staff member Joe Galuavo.

All four are unable to attend due to the latest COVID-19 bubble restrictions.

Former strike centre Steve Matai will also be absent after deciding to move on from rugby league following his retirement.

Williams and former NRL centre Krisnan Inu triggered dismay after taking to social media to support Hayne following his sentencing on Thursday.

“Fn dogs,” Williams wrote on his Instagram story.

“To all Haynsy’s family and friends stay strong for him and let God do he’s (sic) thing I love you all … God always prevails.

“Before I let this be just want to congratulate the victim and the so called justice system you’ve sent an innocent brotherly to jail away from he’s (sic) kids you bunch of flops … that’s all respectively.”

The outburst has backfired miserably for Williams with his contract terminated immediately at New York Freedom, the soon to be established rugby league franchise in the US.

Tony Williams' Instagram post proclaiming Jarryd Hayne's innocence.

Hayne has been sentenced to at least three years and eight months in jail.

Williams was set to join Freedom in June, but the club released a statement on Friday to declare he’d been sacked.

“In light of comments made by Tony Williams regarding the sentencing of Jarryd Hayne, New York Freedom can confirm that the contract between Tony and the club has been terminated,’’ the statement read.

“New York Freedom condemns Tony’s comments.

“And his opinions are not the opinions of New York Freedom or any party involved with the club.

“Tony spoke for himself via his own social media channel of which the club has no control.

“New York Freedom understands the hurt caused by these comments and takes this issue very seriously.

“As a club we are dedicated to growing the great sport of rugby league and are committed to it always being an inclusive, safe and family-oriented environment. ‘’

Krisnan Inu's Instagram message of support for Jarryd Hayne.

And Inu’s subsequent clarification, after he removed the original message.

Inu, currently contracted to the Salford Devils in the UK Super League, also took to Instagram, suggesting the “so called” female victim “get the help you need.”

“Not enough words can express how I’m feeling for my lil bro,’’ Inu posted.

“Don’t think justice was served to its proper intent.

“To the so called victim, hope you actually get the help you need.

“Because the things that was said about my boy wasn’t what he’s about.”

The Daily Telegraph has contacted Salford for their position surrounding Inu’s comments.

The North American Rugby League also posted a statement across their social media platforms supporting New York Freedom’s stance.

Tony 'T-Rex' Williams apologises for his Instagram post.

“The social media posts that have been posted have no place in society, sport and particularly in rugby league,’’ the NARL statement read.

“NARL condemns the comments made and look forward to working with the NARL teams and players to educate players on their roles and responsibilities as we head towards our inaugural season.”

Williams on Friday took to Instagram again to apologise.

“To anyone that I may of (sic) offended I speak from the heart and most of time it’s out of anger a brother has been convicted it isn’t easy to take,” the post read.

“For people that know me know that I’m loyal and loving and sometimes gets the best of me but will never leave a brothers back when he needs me to hold him up.

“I apologise for the choice of words I used and to anyone that I have hurt

“To all the friends and family stay in it and a lot of love to you all.. esp to people that support me.. Sorry.”