NRL superstar Jarryd Hayne is expected to press ahead with his long-awaited return to Parramatta training this week, despite a rape allegation stemming from a US civil suit hanging over his head.
Hayne is due to on Wednesday or Thursday turn out in Eels' colours for the first time in more than three years as the prodigal son makes his comeback to the club where he first weaved his magic in 2006.
However any hopes Hayne had of a fresh start at Parramatta in the new year were diminished in December, when a woman known only as Ms V brought a civil suit against the 29-year-old in California.
Hayne's lawyers have "unequivocally and vehemently" denied the allegations, which include claims the 29-year-old raped the drunk woman in late 2015 during his NFL stint with the San Francisco 49ers.
Regardless, the ongoing saga is likely to overshadow Hayne's return to Eels training, after he signed with the club following his World Cup stint with Fiji.
Hayne returned from a religious trip to Israel last week, and dodged cameras as he was ushered out a side door at Sydney airport.
But it's understood he could still have to answer questions from both the NRL's integrity unit and his club, with the Eels having since claimed they were unaware of the "serious allegations" when they signed him last month.
Hayne spoke to local investigators after the woman went to the police in May 2016 before the criminal case was rejected by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office in October of that year.
According to court documents, the DA's office told the woman at the time that "there was not enough evidence to prove the crime of rape beyond a reasonable doubt".
However the woman is now pursuing the two-time Dally M winner on claims of sexual battery, gender violence, infliction of emotional distress and negligence.
Hayne was signed in August 2016 by the then-NRL-owned Gold Coast Titans, who have also claimed they were unaware of the investigation at the time.
Hayne hasn't appeared in Parramatta colours since September 2014, before his shock announcement a month later that he would pursue a career in the USA.
