The 37-year-old spoke to 9News after a win in the Ron Massey Cup for the Wentworthville Magpies.

“It felt good for about 70 minutes and the last 10 killed me,” Hayne said.

The return at Ringrose Park is a long way from the bright lights of the NFL and State of Origin.

Hayne walked free from prison less than a year ago following a four-year-long legal saga.

His career in the NRL ended prematurely after he faced charges of two counts of non-consensual sexual intercourse in connection with an incident involving a 26-year-old woman on the evening of the 2018 NRL grand final.

Hayne was found guilty twice, with his convictions overturned on appeal.

He has always maintained his innocence.

Asked to reflect on the past few years, Hayne said, “It’s been a journey”.

“It’s life, you know, we move forward,” he said.

Hayne had previously said he didn’t believe he would return to rugby league.

“I probably didn’t miss it until probably a year or two ago,” he said.

“It’s been a good break, I’ve enjoyed it.

“I love my sport… touch footy, Oztag, I’m always doing something, so to come out here with a good bunch of boys, it’s good.”

Yesterday was Hayne’s first competitive game of rugby league in seven years.

“For me, it’s just about having fun and playing footy again.”