Jarryd Hayne, the 2014 Dally M winner, may reunite with the Fiji Bati team after a five-year absence. This possibility was indicated by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata in a recent interview. Kativerata expressed that the team is open to Hayne’s return, stating, “The door is open for him if he wants to join.” He added that Hayne is in good shape but they are awaiting his decision, which would provide a significant boost to the team.
The announcement of the Bati squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships has been postponed until next week, as management is still finalizing player releases from their NRL clubs.
Hayne kicked off his career in 2006 with the Parramatta Eels, earning the NRL’s Dally M Rookie of the Year award. He debuted for New South Wales in State of Origin and Australia on the international stage the following year, transitioning to play primarily as a fullback. He claimed the Dally M Medal in 2009 and 2014, along with the Rugby League International Federation’s International Player of the Year award in 2009. He represented Australia in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and also played for Fiji in the 2008 and 2017 tournaments when he was not selected for Australia.
Hayne made headlines by switching from one of the NRL’s top players to playing for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2015 NFL season, but he wrapped up his NFL career after that season. In 2016, he competed for Fiji in rugby union sevens but returned to the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans after failing to make the Olympic squad. He finished his playing career with Parramatta in 2018 and notably led Fiji to an upset victory over New Zealand in the knockout stages of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
In June, charges of rape against Hayne were withdrawn, and he successfully appealed his convictions earlier this month. He has faced trial multiple times over the same incident, with his conviction previously resulting from a hung jury and a later guilty verdict overturned. Hayne maintains that his encounter with the woman, who cannot be named, was consensual.
Kativerata mentioned that discussions are ongoing with other NRL players interested in representing Fiji, including Mark Nawaqanitawase, Tui Kamikamica, and Api Koroisau, with explosive forward Viliame Kikau also expected to be part of the team. The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) aims to incorporate local-based players from the Vodafone Cup to enhance the national setup.
The coach noted that last year they included young talents like Kitione Kautoga and Caleb Navale, stating that as long as Fijian players are making their debut and stepping up, they are fulfilling their mission. The team’s objective is to secure a win and build momentum towards the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia. He emphasized the advantage of having a strong leader like Tui Kamikamica, describing him as a humble giant and a positive influence ahead of the Pacific Nations Cup matches.
Kativerata acknowledged the challenge posed by Papua New Guinea, labeling them as a strong and formidable opponent. He remarked that his role involves educating and guiding the team towards victory with the right blend of talent.