He once had a million-dollar salary and hundreds of thousands in endorsement deals at the height of his brilliant football career.
But Jarryd Hayne is now a long way from the man who was predicted to become Australia’s highest-paid sportsman.
Wearing an untucked white shirt, tan chinos and a few belongings in his hands, Hayne looked briefly at the sky before hugging one of his family members Wednesday night as he left the gates of the Mary Wade Correctional Center after that their rape convictions were sensationally overturned.
Perhaps it was a brief moment to savor his freedom after a six-year legal saga that has seen him endure three trials, two appeals, two overturned convictions and nearly 18 months in prison.
Hayne, who now has the presumption of innocence, still faces the prospect of a fourth trial, although legal experts are divided over whether the Director of Public Prosecutions will carry it out.
What is not in doubt is that his reputation is in tatters.
Jarryd Hayne is now a long way from the man who was predicted to become Australia’s highest-paid sportsman (pictured: celebrating a try against the Cowboys in June 2018).
Dressed in an untucked white shirt, tan chinos and clutching a few belongings, Hayne briefly looked up at the sky before hugging one of his family members Wednesday night as he walked out of the gates of the Mary Wade Correctional Center. after their rape convictions were sensationally overturned (pictured). )
The man once predicted to become “the Hugh Jackman of the NFL” when he switched codes to football has been tried and found wanting in the court of public opinion.
The ordeal also has a devastating impact on his finances, eroded by years of legal fees, a situation made worse by the fact that a fellow inmate allegedly swindled him out of $780,000 in a Bitcoin scam.
So what’s next for the 36-year-old?
Lyall Mercer, public relations and crisis communications strategist, said it was “unfortunate that we live in a time where reputation is defined by social media commentary and speculation rather than facts.”
“Everyone deserves due process and Jarryd has gone through the legal process which has ultimately decided that at this time he remains innocent until proven guilty,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘If there is no new trial, he will still be innocent, despite what everyone thinks.
Hayne has endured a six-year legal saga that has seen three trials, two appeals, two overturned convictions and almost 18 months in prison (pictured with his wife Amelia outside court in 2021).
The man, once predicted to become “the Hugh Jackman of the NFL” when he switched codes to football, has been tried and found wanting in the court of public opinion despite his conviction being overturned by second time.
‘Jarryd has a journey ahead of him to rebuild his reputation that has been destroyed.
‘Apart from the court’s verdict, publicity surrounding the events of the case remains and people will make moral judgments. “Your goal now must be to rebuild trust.”
Mercer pointed out that the NRL, where Hayne was twice awarded the Dally M Medal as player of the year, is full of stars who have been convicted of crimes but have been offered opportunities to restore their reputations.
“Therefore, it would be hypocritical if they (the NRL) did anything less than offer Jarryd, who at this time has not been convicted, support and welcome him back to their community,” Mercer said.
Whether that happens is another question.
Both the NRL and Hayne’s former club, the Parramatta Eels, have refused to recognize him since late 2018, when he was first accused of sexual assault.
Hayne, who was one of the greatest players in Eels history, was not mentioned once at the club’s 75th anniversary in April 2022, when he was awaiting his third test.
Mercer, who several years ago gave Hayne professional advice on an unrelated matter, said humility was an “underrated” quality.
“The best thing you can do is focus on your family, stay humble and respectful and stay out of the spotlight for a while,” Mercer said.
Hayne, who was one of the greatest players in Eels history, was not mentioned once at the club’s 75th anniversary in April 2022, as he awaited his third Test (pictured: playing for the Eels in 2014).
Lyall Mercer, public relations and crisis communications strategist, said Hayne had “a journey ahead of him to rebuild his reputation that has been destroyed”.
Before his first stint in prison, Hayne, his wife Amelia and their children lived in a granny flat on his mother’s property on the Central Coast.
They then moved to a rental property in South Wentworthville, in Sydney’s west, while he awaited his third trial.
It is understood he is currently staying at a property in Merrylands.
His friends have also joined him since he was released from prison.
The double Dally M winner’s close companion, Daniel Son, shared a photo on Instagram with the caption: “You’re a fucking beauty.”
But Mercer had some key advice for Hayne.
“Many have made the mistake of rushing into so-called ‘tell all’ interviews, and this strategy rarely helps,” Mercer said.
A smiling Hayne leaves Cooma Prison in February 2022 after his successful appeal against his first sexual assault conviction.
‘Over time, perceptions change and doors open. “It will be a great test of his character.”
The PR expert pointed to Bruce Lehrmann’s now infamous interview with Channel Seven as an example.
He said Hayne should resist the temptation of big networks who will no doubt offer huge sums of money to get an interview if there is no fourth trial.
“I think the time will come to tell his story, but not for a while,” Mercer added.
‘He won’t be in the right mindset. He will focus on defending his case and correcting what he would call an injustice.
‘You should also respect the other party in this legal case. There are no winners here.’
Hayne was released on bail and his case will return to the District Court on July 26.
