Jarryd Hayne has struggled mightily in his first training run since re-joining the Parramatta Eels, appearing well below fitness.
Hayne returned to Parramatta training for the first time in more than three years on Wednesday morning, prepared to front the media amid rape allegations.
Hayne donned the Eels' blue-and-gold colours for the first time since he left the club to pursue a career in the NFL at the end of 2014.
The two-time Dally M medallist completed a time trial run and ran laps at the Eels' training base in front of a throng of cameras and awaiting media in scenes reminiscent of Parramatta's scandal-plagued 2016 season.
However the prodigal son looked a shadow of his peak self, struggling through the fitness portion of the session.
Hayne fell well behind the main pack as the squad were running laps, and didn't take part in a number of sprints afterwards.
Club captain Tim Mannah had to offer Hayne a word of encouragement as the former Titans star was hunched over in exhaustion towards the end of the session.
Hayne has previously been outed as a poor trainer, and he'll need to improve in that regard if he wants to recapture his best form.
The 29-year-old has denied in a written statement claims from a US civil suit he raped a 25-year-old woman in late 2015 during his stint in the NFL.
The media circus surrounding Hayne's every movement will be precisely what low-key coach Brad Arthur would have wanted to avoid when he signed the high-profile player.
The Eels have claimed they were unaware of the allegations when they signed him last month.
Hayne spoke to local investigators after the woman went to the police in May 2016, but the case was rejected by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office in October of that year due to a lack of evidence.
The woman is now pursuing the NSW State of Origin star on claims of sexual battery, gender violence, infliction of emotional distress and negligence.
Hayne was signed in August 2016 by the then-NRL-owned Titans, who have also claimed they were unaware of the investigation at the time.
Replies
Hes been very unfit since he left the NFL, he trained for short stints of a power game, that translates very poorly to the stamina needed to play NRL for 80 minutes.
Lets hope he fully buys into brads culture and trains his ass off, if he doesnt he wont last long.
And fucking oath Timmy betta be in his ear pushing him on, telling him to do it for Brian Houston and Brian Houston senior.
Thats true but apparently he was lagging behind the pack at tits training all year, was also reportedly ducking off to the toilet to use his mobile multiple times during training, it was reported Henry locked the toilets one session he was so pissed off lol.
BA wont cop any of that nonsense.
Couldn’t agree more Mack; he was always going to struggle and i think the press conference was well handled by him and BA. Well done to all; the hacks can write what they wish.
I am waiting for Kent to pen his thoughts.....
He did well in his presser.
In his own words he's very happy to be home.
I reckon he'll be back to his best in no time..
That 13 year old boy is BAs son who trains every day and. I often see him running with his father locally when there is no official training. Both boys are super fit and in the rep teams.
no disgrace in the boys or BA keeping up on a training run, certainly not the first one of your season
I hear you Ginger.
I'll be praying this Saturday night to Jim at The Basement in Sydney.
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