What next for Jarryd Hayne? How fallen footy star will adjust to life outside prison - and the one thing he has been warned not to do

He once commanded a million-dollar salary and hundreds of thousands in sponsorship deals at the height of his glittering footy career.

But Jarryd Hayne is now a far cry from the man who was predicted to become Australia’s highest-paid sportsman.

Wearing in an untucked white shirt, tan chinos and clutching a few possessions, Hayne briefly glanced to the heavens before embracing one of his family members on Wednesday evening as he left the gates of Mary Wade Correctional Centre after his rape convictions were sensationally overturned.

It was perhaps a brief moment to savour his freedom after a six-year legal saga that has seen him endure three trials, two appeals, two quashed convictions and almost 18 months in prison.

Hayne, who now has the presumption of innocence, still faces the prospect of a fourth trial, although legal experts are divided over whether the Director for Public Prosecutions will pursue it. 

What is not in dispute is that his reputation lies in tatters. 

The man, who was once predicted to become the 'the Hugh Jackman of the NFL' when he switched codes to American football, has been judged and found wanting in the court of public opinion. 

The ordeal has also a devastating impact on his finances, eroded by years of legal fees - a situation made worse by the face he was allegedly swindled out of $780,000 by a fellow inmate in a Bitcoin scam.  

So what comes next for the 36-year-old? 

Lyall Mercer, a public relations and crisis communications strategist, said it was 'unfortunate that we live in an age where reputation is defined by social media commentary and speculation rather than facts'.

'Everyone deserves due process and Jarryd has been through the legal process which has ultimately decided that at this stage he is still innocent until proven guilty,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 

'If there is no retrial he will remain innocent, despite what anyone thinks. 

'Jarryd has a journey ahead of him to rebuild his reputation which has been destroyed. 

'Putting aside the verdict by the court, the publicity around the events of the case remains and people will make moral judgements. His goal now must be to rebuild trust.'

Mr Mercer pointed out that the NRL, where Hayne was twice awarded the Dally M medal for player of the year, is littered with stars who have been found guilty of crimes but have been offered opportunities to restore their reputations.

'So it would be hypocritical if they (the NRL) did anything less than offer Jarryd - who at this stage has not been convicted - support and welcome him back into their community,' Mr Mercer said.

Whether that will transpire is another matter.

Both the NRL and Hayne’s former club, the Parramatta Eels, have refused to acknowledge him since late 2018, when he was first charged with sexual assault.

Hayne, who was one of the Eels' greatest-ever players, was not mentioned once at the club's 75th anniversary in April 2022 when he was awaiting his third trial.

Mr Mercer, who once gave Hayne professional advice on an unrelated matter several years ago, said humility was an 'underrated' quality. 

'His best course is to focus on his family, remain humble and respectful, and stay out of the limelight for a while,' Mr Mercer said.

Before his first spell in prison, Hayne, his wife Amelia and their children were living in a granny flat on his mother's property on the Central Coast.

They then moved to a rental property in South Wentworthville, in western Sydney while he awaited his third trial. 

It is understood he is currently staying at a property in Merrylands.

Friends have also rallied around his since he was released from prison.

The dual Dally M-winner's close mate Daniel Son shared a picture on Instagram that was captioned: 'You f***en' beauty.'

But Mr Mercer had one key piece of advice for Hayne.

'Many have made the mistake of rushing to do so-called "tell all" interviews and this strategy rarely helps,' Mr Mercer said. 

'Over time perceptions change and doors will open. It will be a great test of his character.'

The PR expert pointed to the now-infamous Bruce Lehrmann interview with Channel Seven as a case in point. 

He said that Hayne should resist the lure of major networks who will no doubt offer huge sums to secure an interview if there is no fourth trial. 

'I think there will be a time to tell his story but not for a while,' Mr Mercer added. 

'He won’t be in the right mindset. He will be focused on pleading his case and correcting what he’d call an injustice.

'Also he should respect the other party in this legal case. There are no winners here.'

Hayne was released on bail and his case will return to the District Court on July 26.