A rugby league star who took to social media to make disgraceful comments about the victim in the Jarryd Hayne rape trial has been sacked by his new club.

Tony Williams became the highest profile signing for the inaugural North American Rugby League season when he put pen to paper with the New York Freedom.

But the deal lasted just one week, with the former Australian international representative’s contract terminated for his post defending his former Parramatta Eels teammate Hayne.

“We cannot control what others do, but we can control how we respond. In light of the comments made by Tony Williams, his contract with New York Freedom has been terminated,” the club said in a statement.

“New York Freedom condemns Tony’s comments and his opinions are not the opinions of New York Freedom or any party involved with the club.

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“Tony spoke for himself via his own social media channel of which the club has no control.

“New York Freedom understands the hurt caused by these comments and takes that issue very seriously.”

Williams’ sacking comes less than 24 hours after disgraced ex-NRL and NFL star Hayne was sentenced to at least three years and eight months in jail for his attack on a woman at her NSW home.

Hayne had been found guilty of sexually assaulting the woman, who he met on social media, on the night of the 2018 NRL Grand Final.

In his social media post, Williams lashed out at the verdict.

“Fn dogs,” he wrote.

“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 (sic) to jail away from he’s (sic) kids you bunch of flops … that’s all respectively.”

Williams was last seen in the NRL in 2018 after stints with Parramatta, Manly, Canterbury and Cronulla.

He had been on Manly’s list as recently as last season but did not feature at senior level.

He represented Tonga and Australia before making his State of Origin debut for NSW in 2012.

Another of Hayne’s former teammates Krisnan Inu, who is contracted to English Super League club Salford, also took to social media to criticise the verdict.

“Not enough words can express how I’m feeling for my lil bro,” Inu wrote.

“Don’t think justice was served to it’s proper intent. To the so called victim. Hope you actually get the help you need, because the things that was said about my boy, wasn’t what he’s about. Never has, never will be.

“I’m praying for you my Uso. Keep your faith strong like it has been, and let your loved ones come together to help look after your family. Love you Bula.

“And to his loving family, if there’s anything youse need, I got youse.”

Hayne’s legal team has today given notice he intends to appeal his imprisonment on sexual assault charges.