Jarryd Hayne returns to rugby league for Pacific Championship

Former Parramatta Eels superstar Jarryd Hayne is returning to rugby league for the first time since he was released from jail this year.

Jarryd Hayne is set to return to rugby league after being released from jail in June this year.

The former Parramatta Eels fullback has joined Fiji’s coaching staff as a mentor ahead of the Pacific Championships which kick off on Friday.

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Hayne will join the camp and work with players such as Maika Sivo, Viliame Kikau and Michael Jennings.

Hayne’s return to the rugby league ranks comes after Fiji coach Wise Kativerata last month said he was working on having him join the squad for the Championships.

The coach said he extended an invitation to the 36-year-old to throw on his old Fiji jersey, a side he has not represented in six years.

And while his return won’t see him pull on a jersey, Hayne is excited to be a part of the camp.

Hayne is back. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“Fiji’s culture of rugby league, they love the physical stuff,” Hayne said.

“It doesn’t matter who they pick, you just know what to expect, regardless. They are as passionate as any nation I have played against. (Opposition nations) will know what they’re in for.

“It’s great the (NRL) boys have come back. It’s a long season, these boys have been going for close to 11 months now.

“For them to come back at the end of the year is awesome. They will be proud and there will be plenty on display this Saturday.

“You don’t get this much talent in Fiji very often. This (tournament) is huge. The NRL has done a great job putting it on.”

Hayne’s return has been ticked off by the NRL and will see him join the coaching ranks alongside South Sydney’s John Sutton and St George Illawarra’s Shane Millard.

Hayne in action for Fiji during the 2017 World Cup. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

The two-time Dally M Medal winner, was released from prison in June after winning an appeal against a rape conviction.

Hayne broke his silence about the sexual assault saga, thanking supporters and loved ones after charges were formally dropped.

“Yeah obviously excited,” Mr Hayne said outside court, looking relieved as he walked out of the complex alongside his barrister Margaret Cunneen SC and solicitor Lauren MacDougall.

“I stayed true to myself the whole time, the whole process. Today is a vindication for myself and my family and my loved ones.

“I want to say thank you to all those that supported me from day one, stood by me and stood next to me.

“It’s been a rollercoaster. The boys on the inside that stood by me, mates on the outside and everyone that stood shoulder to shoulder with me, I appreciate that.

“Thinking about everyone that prayed for me, I thank God for keeping me safe, not only myself but my wife as well, what she had to go through.

“It’s been tough. I’m just thankful today for all the support.”

Asked if he would return to football, Mr Hayne said with a laugh: “I look like a front-rower.”

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne returns to rugby league for Pacific Championship