Hayne targeted in 'nature's steroids' website scam

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hayne

Under the full caps headline 'POWERFUL ENHANCERS TOO STRONG FOR AUSTRALIA? IS THIS THE REAL REASON BEHIND JARRYD HAYNE GOING TO THE NFL?', the story on the Men's Health Life website claims many officials are asking how the former Eels star transformed his body so quickly.

"Staff reporter Richard Mason" goes on to report: "Jarryd Hayne has been the talk of the talk in Australia for the last few years. Having dominated professional rugby at the highest levels, he became a phenomenon of strength and speed.

"He caught the world's attention when he announced his intentions to join the NFL, and is currently a player on the San Francisco 49ers. 

"Unfortunately, all the spotlight has caused some officials to question him. It takes an insane amount of power, strength and agility for a human body to be able to endure professional rugby and now the NFL. 

"Well, we've discovered that with this powerful muscle enhancing, fat shredding supplement combo, all that becomes possible!"


The scam article on Men's Health Life

The article claims 'trainers call this new supplement stack nature's steroid alternatives which let you build muscle while you burn fat'.

The piece is accompanied by a photo of a shirtless Hayne and before and after shots of Australian actor Chris Hemsworth.

The article is a clear advertorial plug for a supplements program which we won’t name, giving readers the chance to take part in a “free trial”.

Despite the wild claims, it bears great similarity to a similar scam to the one All Blacks star and former NRL enforcer Sonny Bill Williams was caught up in earlier this year.

Williams’ manager Khoder Nasser denied his client had any involvement or endorsed the product, while the reputable Men's Health magazine was exploring its legal options due to the scam site's close resemblance to its name and masthead.

There is no suggestion whatsoever that either Williams or Hayne had knowledge of the product or gave permission to use of their names or images.

Author(s)
Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at Sporting News Australia.