Jarryd Hayne is expected to press ahead with his long-awaited return to Parramatta training this week, despite a rape allegation stemming from a US civil suit hanging over his head.
On Wednesday or Thursday, Hayne is due to turn out in Eels' colours for the first time in more than three years as the prodigal son makes his comeback to the club where he first wove his magic in 2006.
However any hopes Hayne had of a fresh start at Parramatta in the new year were diminished in December, when a woman known only as 'Ms V' brought a civil suit against the 29-year-old in California.
Hayne's lawyers have "unequivocally and vehemently" denied the allegations, which include claims the 29-year-old raped the drunk woman in late 2015 during his NFL stint with the San Francisco 49ers.
Regardless, the ongoing saga is likely to overshadow Hayne's return to Eels training, after he signed with the club following his World Cup stint with Fiji.
Hayne returned from a religious trip to Israel last week, and dodged cameras as he was ushered out a side door at Sydney airport.
But it's understood he could still have to answer questions from both the NRL's integrity unit and his club, with the Eels having since claimed they were unaware of the "serious allegations" when they signed him last month.
Hayne spoke to local investigators after the woman went to the police in May 2016 before the criminal case was rejected by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office in October of that year.
According to court documents, the DA's office told the woman at the time that "there was not enough evidence to prove the crime of rape beyond a reasonable doubt".
However the woman is now pursuing the two-time Dally M winner on claims of sexual battery, gender violence, infliction of emotional distress and negligence.
Hayne was signed in August 2016 by the then-NRL-owned Gold Coast Titans, who have also claimed they were unaware of the investigation at the time.
Hayne hasn't appeared in Parramatta colours since September 2014, before his shock announcement a month later that he would pursue a career in the USA.
AAP
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I was reluctant to add another blog on this topic, but after reading it, and one paragraph that I have highlighted which I have as yet not seen previously answers some questions that were raised in my last blog on this and perhaps others as well.
Seems JH did go to the police after the first allegations were made against him and put his side of the incident to them, based on that he was allowed to go free and as it turns out leave the U.S as a consequence.
He returns to training this weeks for the 2018 season with the eels, and one can only imagine the media circus that will await him, not doubt that club officials and coach will be wanting to hear his side of things and why nothing has been said to them, Titans and NRL previously. I would imagine he will front the NRL also before long, perhaps next week, the sooner the better for all concerned and hopefully this saga will be put to bed, at least until the U.S case is heard.
Can’t help but feel for Jarryd Hayne at this time. I just hope the media give him a break and allow him to play and enjoy being back at the Eels. I actually watched a you tube clip from NRL 360 and I was totally disgusted in the way Paul Kent vehemently attacked Hayne, the Eels club and the NRL for allowing Hayne to return to the Eels. I too hope this circus is done and dusted soon in particular for Jarryd Hayne and the Eels fans and team.
Read this somewhere the other day, maanged to find it again.
Sean Webby, spokesman for the Santa Clara District Attorney's office, said there were four key questions considered by prosecutors in determining whether a person should be charged.
"A prosecutor thoroughly reviews all reports and records concerning the case, including witness statements. We declined to file charges due to insufficient evidence."
this was from another site a mate sent me.
The eight-year-old bar, The Willow Den is a popular haunt for the 49ers, according to its owner, Hans Heller.
The Willow Den is the same establishment where former 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald met and shared drinks with a young woman, who accused him of raping her.
Mr Heller said he remembered that when the McDonald scandal hit the news "the police came to my house to interview me", adding, "They never did that with Jarryd Hayne.
athletes visited the bar all the time and Hayne had been 'a couple of times'.
'He has always been polite, not even rowdy and was often mobbed by “football groupies"
The fact that the police didn't even bother talking to the owner or manager seems to paint a picture of a pretty open & shut, why waste time, this is a nothing case.
It’s an absolute disgrace that there is even a Civil Court Case (hearing).
Agree.
if his wife had any self respect she'd make him wear a ricky stuart mask
as if he's not having nightmares sleeping next to that k*nt
You get a sense from the Australian media that they are trying to persuade their readers and viewers that "not enough evidence to bring charges" is code for guilty but no evidence. I do not see any in the media who are pushing the line that "not enough evidence to bring charges" means that the Justice system did not see that he had a case to answer. Same situation as Semi.
Thanks for the blog Colin. Clearly there are many negative reports coming out of the media who hate Christians in general and Jarryd Hayne in particular. There is also a group of Parra haters in the media too.
As a consequence, I believe there is also a spiritual element to all of of this that may well be explained in the scripture I read this morning in 2 Thessalonians 1:4,5 "therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. A plain indication of God's righteous judgement so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God". NASB.
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