Jarryd Hayne leaves the Burwood Local Court on December 10, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Photo / Getty
Jarryd Hayne leaves the Burwood Local Court on December 10, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Photo / Getty
As Jarryd Hayne waits to find out how long he will spend in jail, the young woman he was convicted of sexually assaulting has suggested she isn't the same person after the 30-month ordeal.
The 28-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had to wait two-and-a-half years before Hayne, 33, was found guilty on two counts of having sexual intercourse without consent on a bloody night at the woman's home in September, 2018.
Now it's behind her, the woman broke her silence on social media by posting a famous quote by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami.
"And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive," it reads. "You won't even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in."
Jarryd Hayne is seen arriving at Downing Centre Courts, in Sydney. Photo / News Corp
"And she certainly entered into this process with the thoughts of herself, but other people who are going through something like she has.
"[She is] amazingly courageous, resilient. I think as we all know it's a really difficult process for everyone involved, but in particular victims and she's certainly has come through this and feeling that she's succeeded."
Hayne has continued to claim his innocence after pleading not guilty to all charges and told reporters outside court last week he would appeal the verdict.
"I'd rather go to jail knowing I spoke the truth than be a free man living a lie," he said.
"I've shown it from the start, It's unfortunate, it's disappointing. But at the end of the day they've come to the decision. I respect that."
He will face a sentencing hearing on May 6 and there are suggestions his legacy could be further tarnished as the NRL considers stripping him of his many awards.
Jarryd Hayne playing for the Eels. Photo / Getty
The NRL has kept tight-lipped on his meteoric fall from grace but the Sydney Morning Herald reports the league "believe they will have little choice" but to raid Hayne's trophy case if his appeal is unsuccessful.
Hayne's league CV is among the most impressive in history, with two Dally M Medals for player of the year (2009 & 2014), and the Dally M Rookie Of The Year (2006) award to his name.
He was also named Representative Player Of The Year in 2014, made the Dally M Team Of The Year three times and won the Brad Fittler Medal for NSW's State of Origin Player Of The Series a record three times.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, however, the NRL could take dramatic measures to distance itself from Hayne if his conviction is not overturned.
