In a remarkable sporting event that has captured significant attention, former Parramatta Eels star Jarryd Hayne has made a successful return to the rugby league field. The two-time Dally M medallist played for the Campbelltown Saints during their Community Day at Waminda Oval in Sydney's west last Saturday.
A Controversial Partnership on the Field
Hayne's return was notable not just for his own comeback story, but for the player who lined up alongside him. Curtis Scott, a former Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders star with a convicted history of domestic violence offences, joined Hayne in the Saints' lineup. This pairing created a combination of controversial talents that has sparked considerable discussion within the sporting community.
The match marked only Hayne's second appearance on a rugby league pitch in seven years, following a period where he spent nearly two years in prison. His sexual assault convictions were quashed in 2024, paving the way for this sporting return. During the game, Hayne demonstrated his enduring talent by scoring two tries and providing an assist for another, showcasing a significant physical turnaround after reportedly gaining weight during his legal battles and incarceration.
Tumultuous Careers and New Directions
Both athletes bring complex histories to the field. Scott's career took a dramatic turn when he was sacked mid-season by the Canberra Raiders in 2021 following a nightclub incident that led to assault charges, though he was later cleared of these. More significantly, in 2022 he received a 12-month community corrections order after being found guilty of three charges against his ex-girlfriend, athlete Tay-Leiha Clark. These included assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, and stalk or intimidate with the intention of causing fear or physical harm, relating to incidents that occurred in 2018.
Since his departure from professional rugby league, Scott has attempted to rebuild his life through combat sports. He has established an undefeated 4-0 record as a professional boxer, which included a knockout victory against AFL great Barry Hall. This victory drew criticism from sports fans who questioned why Scott was given a national platform given his past convictions.
Future Ambitions in Combat Sports
Scott's sporting ambitions appear to be shifting permanently away from rugby league. Recent reports indicate the former Melbourne Storm centre has set his sights on mixed martial arts, having accepted an offer from the global MMA organisation Professional Fighters League (PFL). He claims he'll fight with the organisation for the next two years.
The 28-year-old hopes his performance in the PFL will catch the attention of UFC powerbrokers, potentially leading to an offer to fight in Dana White's premier organisation. Should he succeed, Scott would become the first rugby league player to secure a contract with the global MMA giant, marking another extraordinary transition in his turbulent sporting career.
Meanwhile, Hayne's return to rugby league with the Campbelltown Saints represents another chapter in his own remarkable journey, demonstrating the complex pathways of professional athletes navigating personal challenges while attempting to revive their sporting careers.
