Hayne returns to NRL

Editor

Code-hopper Jarryd Hayne will return to rugby league after it was announced on Wednesday that he has signed a two-year deal with NRL side the Gold Coast Titans.

Hayne is one of the biggest names in Australian sport and is returning to the NRL after departing the game in 2014 to join the San Francisco 49ers NFL team.

He left the 49ers earlier this year in a bid to earn a spot in Fiji's Sevens squad for the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro but missed out on selection.

The 28-year-old will join his Titans team-mates for training on Thursday and is available to play in Sunday’s Round 22 clash against the New Zealand Warriors on the Gold Coast.

Titans chief executive Graham Annesley said Hayne’s arrival is the most significant in the club’s ten-year history.

"This is a monumental signing for the Titans and we are proud that Jarryd has identified our club as the best fit for him to return to the NRL," he told the Titans' official website.

"It’s great news for not only our club, but for the NRL in general and we can’t wait to see Jarryd in action for the Titans.

"It’s also a fantastic boost for our members, fans, and corporate partners who have loyally stuck with the Titans throughout the clubs rebuilding process.

"We wouldn’t have been in a position to sign a player of Jarryd’s stature without the critical support of our major sponsors, in particular Aquis as our naming rights partner, and TripADeal who have helped make this signing possible.

"We expect Jarryd’s presence will significantly increase corporate and membership interest which will further boost the club's future commercial prospects."

Titans head coach Neil Henry believes Hayne will be a great addition to his side and feels it is a credit to the Titans' progress on and off the field that the club has been able to secure such a high-profile player.

"Jarryd is a fantastic player and he will bring a wealth of experience to our team," he said.

"We are very pleased that he has decided to join the Titans and I look forward to seeing him reproduce the exciting brand of football he is famous for in the NRL."