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Hayne returns to training at Parramatta

Can Jarryd Hayne still break games open for the Eels? (AAP Image/Dan Peled)
2nd January, 2018
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Jarryd Hayne has returned to Parramatta NRL training for the first time in more than three years as he prepares to front the media amid rape allegations.

Hayne donned the Eels’ blue-and-gold colours on Wednesday 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 first 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.

Hayne is then expected to hold a press conference at 2.45pm AEDT, just over a month after his defection from the Gold Coast.

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.

It is unknown whether he will address the allegations on Wednesday having previously dodged reporters at Sydney airport upon his return from an overseas trip.

Regardless, 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.

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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.

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