Former National Rugby League player Jarryd Hayne had been in Newcastle for a two-day bucks' party for a fellow NRL player on the weekend he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman, a court has heard.
NSW police have alleged Mr Hayne had sex with a woman without her consent in Newcastle on NRL grand final night in 2018, and that he recklessly inflicted actual bodily harm.
The prosecutors' case in the rape trial in Newcastle District Court centres on the allegation that Mr Hayne had sex with the woman, 28, while knowing that she did not give consent.
They alleged he asked a cab driver to wait for him while he was in the woman's house.
During arraignment on Monday, Mr Hayne pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual assault causing actual bodily harm.
Crown prosecutor Brian Costello told jurors Mr Hayne had been in Newcastle for a two-day bucks' party for Kevin Naiqama.
He listed several other current and former rugby league players who might be called to give evidence.
In his advice to the jury, district court Judge Peter Whitford SC noted the high-profile nature of the case and the need for caution.
"Mr Hayne has for a number of years formed quite a public profile, and any feelings of sympathy or prejudice needs to be put to one side," the judge said.
He also said jurors also needed to ignore media reports.
Aggravated rape carries a maximum jail term of 20 years.
In 2009, Mr Hayne played for Parramatta in the NRL.
He was voted the best player of that year, winning the coveted Dally M award.
He won the same medal again in 2014.
Mr Hayne made global headlines when he switched codes — and countries — to become a rookie player with the San Francisco 49ers in America's 2015 National Football League season.
He returned to the NRL in 2016 and retired after the 2018 season.
