Jarryd Hayne 'marries in secret ceremony' amid court case drama
Jarryd Hayne has reportedly married partner Amellia Bonnici in a ‘secret ceremony’ just one month after announcing his engagement.
The Daily Mail published photos on Wednesday showing Hayne and Bonnici tying the knot, reportedly in front of 50 family and friends on the NSW Central Coast.
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The ceremony is said to have taken place in secret - the location only being revealed at the last minute.
Guests were reportedly taken to the Pullman Magenta Shores by bus after being asked to meet at a specified location.
Hayne took to social media in December to announce his engagement.
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favour from the LORD’. Proverbs 18:22 NKJV,” the former NRL star wrote alongside a photo of him and Bonnici.
“It’s been a rollercoaster. But I’m thankful for God and what the Holy Spirit has done through us.
“It’s only by the grace of God we are here and we’re excited moving forward as Husband n Wife.”
Hayne and Bonnici have been together since he returned to Australia in 2016 following a stint in the NFL.
The couple have a four-year-old daughter, Beliviah Ivy, together.
Jarryd Hayne to face retrial over rape claims
The news comes amid a tumultuous time for Hayne, who will face a retrial in Sydney later this year over two rape charges against him.
In December the former NRL star said he was disappointed a NSW jury failed to clear him of rape allegations, but vowed to keep fighting.
A Newcastle District Court jury of eight men and four women was discharged on December 7 after failing to reach a verdict in the initial trial.
They told Judge Peter Whitford SC they were deadlocked and could not reach a unanimous decision or the alternative 11-1 majority verdict.
Hayne, 32, had pleaded not guilty to two charges of aggravated sexual assault recklessly inflicting actual bodily harm after being accused of raping a woman in her bedroom on the night of the 2018 NRL grand final.
Outside court, Hayne said: “I told the truth and will do it all again.”
“I'm disappointed, but it is what it is.”
The judge had earlier told the jury it was important not to reach a verdict based on Hayne’s behaviour on the night as this was “not a court of morals”.
with AAP
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