Jarryd Hayne confirmed to play at NRL Auckland Nines

  • 26/10/2016
Jarryd Hayne (Getty file)
Jarryd Hayne (Getty file)

Rugby league superstar Jarryd Hayne is the latest big name to commit to next year's NRL Auckland Nines.

The Gold Coast Titans fullback will join a host of other marquee players, including the Cowboys' Johnathan Thurston, at Eden Park for the event, which continues to grow in popularity.

Hayne has enjoyed a glittering career in rugby league, scooping two Dally M player of the year awards before leaving the sport to chase his NFL dream with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015. 

The 28-year-old said that the Auckland Nines is a competition he's always wanted to play in.

"It's a great concept and something I've been watching over the years," Hayne said. 

"To be apart of it next year, I'm looking forward to it. It's a great couple of days, and it's great to see the fans and how they get involved with it too, it's always a special thing."

Hayne also said that he's hoping to be at peak fitness for the tournament.

"I had an opportunity in 2014 but I came back a bit late to pre-season because of the World Cup. 

"They normally want you to do the training for a little longer to be able to play in the competition. I start training in 2 weeks and will be raring to go come February."

After a short-lived run with the 49ers and then the Fijian sevens squad, Hayne returned to the NRL late in the 2016, signing a lucrative two-year deal with the Titans.

The Auckland Nines take place at Eden Park on February 4th and 5th.

Newshub.