Jarryd Hayne is closing in on a return to rugby league, but the two-time Dally M Medal winner knows an NRL comeback remains at "long odds".
The 37-year-old recently signed with Wentworthville Magpies to play in the Ron Massey Cup competition, which is the tier below reserve grade in NSW.
Hayne hasn't played since 2018 after being found guilty of sexual assault and spending two years in prison, before being released after a successful appeal in 2024.
His decision to link up with the Magpies, who feed into a NSW Cup team, means that there is a clear trajectory for the Parramatta Eels icon to return to the top grade.
However, in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Hayne knows there is a very small chance of that occurring and instead is focused on representing Fiji.
Jarryd Hayne in Fiji camp. Sydney Morning Herald
"The fairytale would be that [returning to NRL]," he said.
"But I'm realistic as well. That [comeback] is long, long odds. It's also not my focus.
"For me, I want to get back and play in front of my kids.
"I also want to do what I can to play Test football for Fiji at the end of the year. They're due to play against Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands. That's the aim.
"I've been out of the game for so long. I try to explain to people it's about the contact.
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"When you're playing regularly, and you're hit on a regular basis … but when you've been out of it for a while, it doesn't matter how long you played beforehand, it takes a long time for your body to adjust to that impact.
"I want to build up to playing for Fiji. But it starts with getting my body right, and having a good year with Wenty."
Hayne starred at all levels of the game during his rugby league career, helping the NSW Blues end a lengthy losing streak in State of Origin more than a decade ago.
Jarryd Hayne celebrates with NSW fans. Â Getty
The fullback scored 121 tries in 214 first grade games for the Eels and Titans, while also having a brief stint overseas in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.
More recently, Hayne featured in the Nines Premier League in January, but suffered a hamstring injury which has placed his Magpies debut in doubt.
Wentworthville kick off their Ron Massey campaign against Ryde-Eastwood next Saturday at Ringrose Park.