Controversial former NRL star Jarryd Hayne makes injury-plagued rugby league comeback

Controversial former NRL star Jarryd Hayne continued to be troubled by his ageing body at a low-key rugby league event on Sunday, but the 36-year-old did make his long-awaited return to the field.

Hayne's rugby league comeback was halted by a hamstring injury at the Nines Premier League on Saturday, which left the two-time Dally M Medallist watching his United SC team from the sidelines with a heavily strapped leg.

But he got some game time on the second day of the two-day Gold Coast tournament on Sunday, as a host of former NRL stars squared off in nine-a-side matches.

READ MORE: Keys' 'uncomfortable' journey from teen prodigy

READ MORE: Sabalenka smashes racquet after shock defeat

READ MORE: Spitting drama to all-time classic: '05 Open revisited

Hayne limped from the field following the first touch of his comeback before returning for more game time later in the day.

A kick downfield and a hard chase for a teammate's kick were among his highlights, while he also got involved in some niggle.

He was in a United SC squad featuring former NRL stars Ben Barba, Andrew Fifita and Blake Austin.

"He twinged the hammy the week of this competition, [but it was] just awesome to get him back out there and be involved in it," said United SC coach Blake McLean, per News Corp.

"He's Jarryd Hayne; he's a superstar and one of the best players to ever do it.

"We just love having him. Just having him in camp's been really good."

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.