Hefty legal bill predicted in ex-NRL star Jarryd Hayne's civil rape case

A woman is pursuing a civil lawsuit against former NRL star Jarryd Hayne for alleged rape, seeking damages, according to <source cea96824-b24>. This case stems from an incident that allegedly occurred on the night of the 2018 NRL grand final. Hayne, 38, faced multiple criminal trials and appeals over a period of six years before his convictions were overturned on appeal in 2024. Ten days have been scheduled for a hearing in 2028 to address this civil claim.

The woman alleged that Hayne sexually assaulted her in her Newcastle home on the aforementioned date. Her lawsuit focuses on the psychological injuries she claims she suffered as a result of the alleged incident, with damages being her primary claim. During a status review hearing, Justice Nicholas Chen noted that a mediation session on September 4, 2026, failed to resolve the case.

Justice Chen indicated that the matter would likely be a highly contested and expensive legal battle, having been familiar with the case's history. Hayne enjoyed a successful NRL career prior to transitioning to the NFL, where he played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2015 to 2016 before retiring. He returned to the NRL with the Parramatta Eels, where he continued to play until the end of the 2018 season.

In December 2025, Hayne's legal team attempted to dismiss the civil damages lawsuit, citing delays in the proceedings. His lawyer, Michael Short, highlighted the long and public nature of the case, mentioning the previous criminal trials that preceded it. Ten days have been allocated for the matter to be heard in court beginning in February 2028.