Jarryd Hayne could be stripped of Dally M Medals, NRL honours

The NRL is considering its next step after two-time Dally M Medallist Jarryd Hayne was found guilty of sexual assault.

Parramatta Eels NRL player Jarryd Hayne with his award after being named Dally M Player of the Year during ceremony at State Theatre in Sydney.

The NRL is expected to make a call on rescinding the honours Jarryd Hayne received throughout his career after he was found guilty of sexual assault.

Hayne had a storied career, playing in the NRL, for NSW, Australia and Fiji in rugby league, the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL and Rugby Sevens for Fiji.

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But the 35-year-old was on Tuesday found guilty to two counts of sexual intercourse without consent relating an incident on 2018 NRL Grand Final night.

Hayne now faces a maximum possible sentence of 14 years in jail.

The former footy star continued to profess his innocence outside the courtroom and promised to appeal his latest conviction.

The latest decision leaves the NRL in a tricky position as Hayne twice won its top award, the Dally M Medal, in both 2009 and 2014.

On top of his two Dally M Medals, Hayne made the Team of the Year three times. He was also named Rookie of the Year in 2006.

Hayne was also twice awarded the Eels’ player of the year.

The NRL has not revealed its plans but NRL supremo Peter V’landys has spoken on the issue previously.

Jarryd Hayne after winning the 2009 Dally M.

Hayne leaving court. Picture: Jonathan Ng

In 2021 when he was first convicted before he was successful in appealing the first guilty verdict, ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys announced the league would consider wiping Hayne from the sport’s history.

At the time, V’landys said the league would have a conversation about Hayne’s honours after the appeal process.

“No it’s not hard to take them away but we don’t want to prejudice the legal process,” V’landys told 2GB Radio.

Another issues is that Hayne would be eligible for Parramatta life membership next year, as players have to be retired for five years before being nominated.

The Daily Telegraph reported: “Privately, the club is unsure Hayne would be nominated. If he was, it is highly unlikely Hayne would be ratified as a Parramatta life member.”

Hayne had a stellar career in the NRL, playing 214 matches, 23 State of Origins and 11 Tests for Australia.

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne could be stripped of Dally M Medals, NRL honours