‘We stopped Jarryd Hayne from getting stabbed in jail’: Fainu reveals plot against former Eels star

Former Manly hooker Manase Fainu says he helped foil a plan to have the Parramatta figure stabbed in a Sydney prison.

By Adrian Proszenko · The Sydney Morning Herald

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 12:06 AM

Key Things to Know

Manase Fainu revealed he helped prevent inmates from stabbing Jarryd Hayne at Geoffrey Pearce Correctional Centre in 2023.
Fainu was released on parole after serving part of an eight-year sentence for a 2019 stabbing.
Hayne expressed gratitude to Fainu and other inmates for protecting him during his incarceration.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Manly Sea Eagles hooker Manase Fainu revealed he helped stop a plot to stab former Parramatta Eels player Jarryd Hayne while both were imprisoned at Geoffrey Pearce Correctional Centre. Fainu, who was released on parole on Friday after serving time for a 2019 stabbing conviction, stated that other inmates planned to attack Hayne upon his arrival in 2023.

Fainu explained that Pacific Islander inmates intervened, questioned Hayne about his innocence, and warned other prisoners not to attack him. Hayne, whose sexual assault convictions were overturned in June 2024, expressed gratitude to Fainu for his protection, while Fainu now hopes to mount an NRL comeback.

Read the full article on The Sydney Morning Herald