As Bailey Hayward is coming out of the shadow of one of the most notorious names of the League

It recognizes the reference point for so many fans of the rugby alloy with good grace and respect. And then he continues to name his name. Paul’s wife, Gail, is among his greatest fans.

“I don’t know too much about him in addition to what I was told,” says Bailey.

“But it’s a proud past for us, who plays for Newtown. I only felt good things about him like a boy. I am proud that he was my grandfather, and it was a famous story, but I was not alive for this.

“It was also difficult for Nan (raising a three -year -old family while Paul was imprisoned) but played a huge role not only in my Footy career, but also to my life.

“As soon as I was able to walk, as soon as Footy became one thing for all of us children, he never lost a game – he didn’t care what it was. I am very proud of her and very grateful.”

The recent Matt Burton knee injury has paved the road to Hayward’s elevation from the Bulldogs bench to play for the first time for the five-octopus at the nrl level.

The 23 -year -old’s seat, the energetic defense and the calm ball players distinguished themselves in the disturbance of Cronulla last week, just as those areas of effort were noticed by the Bulldogs staff for some time.

Bailey is not the first Hayward to follow Paul along a sports path. Her sister Paige plays in the female A-League for Western Sydney, Central Coast and Adelaide after a United States university career in Texas.

The cult hero of Canterbury Josh Reynolds met Haywards for most Bailey’s life. And if there is a nuance of Paul in the rough game and dropped of his nephew, there is also a pinch of Reynolds’ famous competitiveness.

“We crossed the same junior club was ST George Dragons, he is a great boy who always returns them,” says Reynolds.

“I think my wikipedia page of San Giorgio as in the Red V, but it is certainly in Canterbury Comp – Make sure to clarify that for us. A long time has passed since the Bulldogs have had a harvest of local junior, but boys such as Bailey, Jacob Kiraz and Lipoi Hopoi are coming and represent the area.”

Hayward has moved away from Junior, though. First to minor ranks. And then briefly from the game completely.

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“I had six months in which I was not playing at the age of 18,” he says. “I worked in SG Ball and under 20 years as a surveyor when I left school. I think that little break was good for me because I was very quickly missing and I realized that the football was what I always wanted to do (as a career).”

When Reynolds announced his retirement nal in the middle of 2023He mentioned that he no longer wants to block Hayward’s progression through Bulldogs ranks.

“They are good companions with his father (Brad) and they remained a little shocked when Bailey gave up for Footy for a while, I had some chat with him to see where he was,” says Reynolds.

“It is so nice to see him come back because that competitive identity has always been there. By training at his side, it is what you want to see most like a bulldog. This is what the club wants to be built on.”