'Last 10 killed me': Jarryd Hayne opens up after return to rugby league in Sydney
Exclusive: Two-time Dally M winner Jarryd Hayne has fronted the cameras after his return to rugby league.
The 37-year-old spoke to 9News after a win in the Ron Massey Cup for the Wentworthville Magpies.
"It felt good for about 70 minutes and the last 10 killed me," Hayne said.
READ MORE: Liberal leadership contest shapes as three-way battle
Jarryd Hayne speaks to Bailey Kenzie after his return to the rugby league field. 9News
The return at Ringrose Park is a long way from the bright lights of the NFL and State of Origin.
Hayne walked free from prison less than a year ago following a four-year-long legal saga.
His NRL career was cut short after he was charged with two counts of sexual intercourse without consent following an incident with a 26-year-old woman on the night of the 2018 NRL grand final.
Hayne was found guilty twice, with his convictions overturned on appeal.
He has always maintained his innocence.
Asked to reflect on the past few years, Hayne said, "It's been a journey".
"It's life, you know, we move forward," he said.
Jarryd Hayne playing for the Wentworthville Magpies on Sunday. Edwina Pickles
Jarryd Hayne leaves prison in June last year. Steven Siewert
READ MORE: Major supermarket so slash prices on hundreds of items this week
Hayne had previously said he didn't believe he would return to rugby league.
"I probably didn't miss it until probably a year or two ago," he said.
"It's been a good break, I've enjoyed it.
"I love my sport... touch footy, Oztag, I'm always doing something, so to come out here with a good bunch of boys, it's good."
Yesterday was Hayne's first competitive game of rugby league in seven years.
"For me, it's just about having fun and playing footy again."
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
