St George Illawarra are hesitant to offer Jarryd Hayne a contract due to his off-field behavior, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Hayne is currently embroiled in a civil lawsuit in the United States concerning sexual assault allegations, and it is understood that he may soon be required to spend significant time in America ahead of his trial in January 2020.

The Dragons reportedly want the star Parramatta outside back, but are wary of signing him for 2019 on big money lest his season is jeopardised by the lawsuit.

It is understood that Hayne wants $700,000 a season, but the Dragons, Eels and other interested clubs are balking at the price-tag