Rugby Rising Star Bailey Hayward Breaks Family's Dark Past

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Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail

 

Bailey Hayward, a name now echoing through the Australian National Rugby League, is making proud strides as a 23-year-old halfback for the Canterbury Bulldogs. While he's celebrated on the field today, his family's history tells a tale of both sporting excellence and past turmoil.

 

Bailey’s grandfather, Paul Hayward, was a standout player for the Newtown Jets and an Olympic-level boxer until his promising career was cut short by a drug smuggling scandal. In 1978, he was arrested in Bangkok with 8.4 kilograms of heroin, landing him a 20-year sentence in the infamous Bang Kwang prison, also known as the "Bangkok Hilton." Paul was entangled with notorious criminal Neddy Smith, who was revealed by a fellow inmate to have masterminded the heroin deal. Paul eventually received a royal pardon after spending 11 grueling years locked up, but sadly passed away in 1992 from a heroin overdose.

 

Bailey, aware of his family's history, aims to rewrite it. Since his NRL debut in 2024, he has shown talent, humility, and determination. He excelled in the Jersey Flegg competition and represented Scotland in the Rugby League World Cup. His leadership skills were apparent even before stepping onto the NRL field, earning unanimous recognition during a 2023 pre-season bootcamp.

 

Bailey stepped up as a five-eighth in recent games, showing defensive prowess and composure. His journey to the NRL wasn’t straightforward; at 18, he walked away briefly, working as a surveyor, before returning to his passion for rugby.

 

 

 

His sister, Paige Hayward, echoes the family's sporting spirit, making a name in the A-League Women soccer after a successful U.S. college career.

 

Bailey's story is one of resilience. Even as his grandmother Gail raised three children alone during Paul's imprisonment, her strength played a crucial role in Bailey's upbringing. Now, he’s determined to uplift the Hayward name, turning a troubled legacy into one of hope and triumph.

 

Canterbury legend Josh Reynolds admires Bailey's contributions, emphasizing the club's renewed focus on local talent and character. As the Hayward name shines on the rugby field once again, it stands as a testament to resilience and new beginnings, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-04