'Not who I am': Ex-teammate apologises after Jarryd Hayne comments

A former NRL star and teammate of Jarryd Hayne has apologised after hitting out at the female victim after last week's rape sentencing.

Hayne's legal team on Friday lodged a Notice of Intention to appeal in the NSW Supreme Court after he was sentenced on Thursday to five years and nine months in jail for the sexual assault of a woman in 2018.

His sentence includes a non-parole period of three years and eight months.

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Williams sparked outrage after responding to the Hayne sentencing by attacking the female victim and the justice system, in a move that saw himsacked by his new club.

“To all Haynsy’s family and friends stay strong for him and let God do he’s (sic) thing I love you all … God always prevails.

“Before I let this be just want to congratulate the victim and the so called justice system.

"You’ve sent an innocent brotherly to jail away from he’s (sic) kids you bunch of flops … that’s all respectively.”

The former NRL star subsequently had his contract with the New York Freedom rugby league team terminated in the wake of the comments.

The team sent out a post on social media quickly distancing itself from the player.

“To anyone that I may of (sic) offended I speak from the heart and most of time it’s out of anger a brother had been convicted it isn’t easy to take,” Williams posted on Instagram.

“People that know me know that I’m loyal and loving and sometimes gets the best of me but will never leave a brothers (sic) back when he needs me to hold him up.

“I apologise for the choice of words I used and to anyone that I have caused hurt.

“Especially to people that support me. Sorry”

Following a torrent of criticism levelled at Williams, the 32-year-old has since offered a heartfelt apology on Instagram to Hayne's victim and anyone else he offended.

Mum 'went off' at Williams after comments

Williams - who is part of a proud and large Polynesian family that includes six sisters and two daughters - also told The Sydney Morning Herald that his mum was among those to condemn his initial comments.

“Polynesians grow up to respect our women, respect our sisters. Whatever they say we listen,” he said.

“My mum went off at me and said, ‘What happens if it is your sister or daughter?’

“That got into my head. I understand that, it made me (realise) I said it the wrong way.

“I wasn’t targeting (Hayne’s victim).

“This stuff that happened goes against what I was taught, because my parents taught me better.

Williams says he would have chosen his words differently if he had his time again.

“To the victim and her family, apologies,” he added.

“Any words that offended them, it’s not who I am. I apologise for the words I used. I hope she gets through it and lives a happy life.

“I understand I hurt a lot of people, but it wasn’t what I was trying to do.

Williams had only signed with the Freedom last week to play in the new North American Rugby League competition, before his contract was terminated.

His signing was seen as a huge coup for the competition.

Williams and Hayne played together at the Parramatta Eels in 2008.

On Friday, Hayne gave his notice that he intends to appeal his imprisonment on sexual assault charges.

Hayne's legal team lodged a Notice of Intention to appeal in the NSW Supreme Court.

He was jailed on Thursday for sexually assaulting a young woman who said the former footballer destroyed her life.

His legal team now has 12 months to lodge a formal appeal.

with AAP

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