Jarryd Hayne set to join Wentworthville Magpies Ron Massey Cup team

The Wentworthville Magpies are set to hand controversial former NRL star Jarryd Hayne a deal to play in the Ron Massey Cup a feeder competition to the NSW Cup.

Jarryd Hayne is on the verge of making his official rugby league comeback with the two-time Dally M winner preparing to play his first full season in seven years.

Hayne has been training with the Wentworthville Magpies to play in the Ron Massey Cup in 2025.

The Ron Massey Cup is a semi-professional rugby league competition – the second-tier competition for NSWRL seniors – with clubs and players feeding into the NSW Cup.

Wentworthville Magpies president Elias Kassab said rugby league was built on second chances and believes the 34-year-old would be an asset for the club.

Negotiations between Hayne and the club are ongoing with the plan for the former Eels star to return not only on the field, but help coach the club’s huge number of juniors.

Jarryd Hayne on the sidelines during the Nines Premier Rugby League event in Tugun, Saturday, January 25, 2025. Picture: Richard Walker

“We have looked thoroughly into this before making the decision to have Jarryd join us,’’ Kassab told News Corp.

“He’s a different person now. We’re happy that he could be playing for us and working with the little ones coming through the grades.

“A lot of people will have their opinions, but we know how sincere Jarryd is in wanting to give back to the game in a positive fashion.

“Last season he spent time of his own accord coming down to spend time with the little ones and our senior boys, which had a really positive impact.

“We are willing to give anyone a second chance so long as they are sincere and Jarryd has been nothing but sincere and honest about things.’’

Hayne spent nearly two years in jail due to sexual assault charges, but the former Parramatta Eels fullback was released in June last year after his convictions were quashed by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal.

He played his last NRL game in 2018, taking to the field for 15 matches in his second stint with the Eels.

Kassab said it would be “up to the coach” to decide if Hayne plays fullback, the position that elevated him to superstar status during his 191-game NRL career.

The Magpies - the most successful club in the Ron Massey Cup with six premierships - launch their season at home against Ryde-Eastwood on March 15 at Ringrose Park.

Kassab said he anticipated a huge crowd to watch Hayne make his debut for the club.

Jarryd Hayne at Wentworthville United JRLFC training ahead of their grand final in 2024.

“That’s our hope, that’s what we’re looking forward to,’’ Kassab said.

“He’s been training and knuckling down I reckon he’ll be fit for it.’’

Hayne made a brief appearance in a Nines Premier League tournament last weekend with his time limited by a hamstring injury.

His comeback with Wentworthville will be his first major match since playing for the Eels on September 1, 2018.