Hayley is Casey Braxton's (Lincoln Younes) Lawyer and she comforts his older brother, Darryl "Brax" (Steve Peacocke), when he is sent to jail. Of Hayley and Darryl, Peacocke said "Hayley is quite cunning, because she knows he's in a bad place. She sees the opportunity to go in when he's at his low point." Darryl's on-off girlfriend, Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson), later sees the pair kissing and believes Darryl has moved on. Peacocke also confirmed there would be an "air of intrigue surrounding Hayley and her intentions", adding there will be a mystery as to why Hayley is in Summer Bay. Charlie becomes jealous when she sees Darryl giving Hayley a surfing lesson. The official Home and Away website said McClelland had to brave the elements "in a bikini on a freezing cold windy day at Palm Beach." McClelland returned to Home and Away as Hayley on 30 April 2012.