Jarryd Hayne was jailed earlier this month for sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. Photo / Getty Images
Jarryd Hayne was jailed earlier this month for sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. Photo / Getty Images
There are no special perks for former footballers inside prison.
That's what Jarryd Hayne has learnt as he adjusts to his new life after being jailed earlier this month for sexually assaulting a woman at her Newcastle home in 2018.
The Saturday Telegraph reports Hayne requested to watch Foxtel on the TV inside his cell — only to be bluntly told it's free-to-air service only for inmates. The publication also reports Hayne's wish to have his clothes washed outside the usual schedule was denied because laundry is only done on one set day of the week.
Hayne's latest reality checks follow an earlier incident where fellow inmates started pelting the disgraced NRL star with apples when he was being moved from a medical facility into the yard at Parklea prison.
The former NSW Origin star was sentenced to five years and nine months' jail with a non-parole period of three years and eight months. He will be eligible for release in January 2025.
Hayne was found guilty of two charges of sexual assault but soon launched an appeal against his conviction.
The 33-year-old took the stand where he continued to deny that he performed oral and digital sex on the woman without her consent. Outside court on the day of his sentencing, there were violent scenes as a group of Hayne's friends and family attempted to shield his wife.
Several of them waved umbrellas and formed a scrum around Amellia Bonnici as she attempted to get into a waiting car. One photographer told NCA Newswire that he was punched in the back of the head and placed in a headlock.
Jarryd Hayne on the day of his sentencing. Photo / Getty Images
Meanwhile, NRL Commission chairman Peter V'landys has said the league will look at stripping Hayne of his two Dally M Medal awards, which he won in 2009 and 2014 as the best player in the game — if his appeal is unsuccessful.
V'landys revealed it had already been raised among the rugby league commission and there "absolutely" will be consideration if Hayne loses his appeal.
Two of Hayne's former teammates were dragged into his personal turmoil when they spoke out against the victim in "appalling" social media posts after his conviction.
Ex-NRL forward Tony Williams had his contract torn up by American club New York Freedom, while former Eels back Krisnan Inu was being investigated by UK club Salford over his Instagram comments.
Both players later backtracked and apologised for their words.
Hayne claimed he was on the verge of signing a A$500,000 deal with NRL club St George before the club went cold when it emerged he had been charged with sexual assault. However, the Dragons rubbished that claim and said no offer was ever made.
Where to get help:
• If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111
• If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone call the confidential crisis helpline Safe to Talk on: 0800 044 334 or text 4334
