Footy fans lash out as Jarryd Hayne gets a shock lifeline to return to footy: 'Is this a joke?'

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Outraged footy fans have slammed Fiji's decision to appoint Jarryd Hayne to a mentoring role for the national team - but some are sticking up for the controversial former NRL superstar. 

The former Parramatta Eels fullback has returned to top-flight footy four months after he was released from jail when his rape conviction was quashed. 

The 36-year-old was invited into the team's camp for the Pacific Championships tournament, which is set to start on Friday. 

The former NRL best and fairest winner also made a switch to join the San Francisco 49ers in 2015 and represented Fiji's 7s rugby union side during his career. 

Hayne spoke to the media during a training session on Monday, where he stated that Fiji had come a long way following the 2008 World Cup. He added that it was 'awesome' to be involved with the international side once again. 

Fans were left divided on social media after Jarryd Hayne (pictured) was appointed as a mentor by Fiji's team for the Pacific Championships 

The 36-year-old (pictured being released from jail after serving time over a rape conviction that was later quashed) has had the appointment approved by the NRL

The ex-Fiji star (pictured playing for Fiji in 2018) will be working with the national side after their coach offered him the role  

'On the way to the airport yesterday, (we were) watching that documentary from the '08 (World Cup) following us in the village,' Hayne told reporters in Suva on Monday.

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'It's been a long journey… 16 to 17 years. From army barracks, to now we're in five-star hotels.

'We've come a long way. It's always good to reminisce.'

Hayne was released from prison on June 12 after his convictions were quashed. He had spent a year behind bars prior to that. 

A jury had found him guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse without consent in April 2023. He had been accused of raping a woman in Newcastle following the 2018 NRL Grand Final. 

He has since been keeping a low profile since being pictured on Monday with the Fiji national side.  

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to express their views on Hayne's new role 

Fans have been left divided over his inclusion in Fiji's staff ahead of the Pacific Championships.

'What a kick to the guts for the NRLW. He should be kicked to the kerb,' one Reddit user wrote. 

'Oh, he'll be a mentor alright. They will use him as an example of what happens when you're an entitled and overhyped flog,' another said. 

One added: 'Is this a joke?' before another on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: 'How did the NRL sign this duo off?'

'Fiji, you are better than that!' another user said. 

Fans were left divided over the news, with one writing 'Good for him. Happy he is involved again' despite the majority slamming the appointment

But some claimed they were 'happy' Hayne had been given a way back into the sport. 

During his career, Hayne played 120 games for Fiji between 2008 and 2018.

One wrote on X: 'Good him for him. Happy he is involved in the game again.'

'Fantastic to see,' another added.