Jarryd Hayne, the 2014 Dally M winner, may return to the Fiji Bati national rugby league team after a five-year absence. This possibility was mentioned by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata in a recent interview, indicating that Hayne would be welcomed back if he expresses interest. Kativerata noted, “The door is open for him if he wants to join. He is fit, but we are just waiting on his decision, which would also be a boost for the team.”
The announcement regarding the Bati squad for the Pacific Championships has been postponed until next week, as the management is still securing player releases from their NRL clubs.
Hayne began his professional career in 2006 with the Parramatta Eels, where he won the Dally M Rookie of the Year award. He debuted for New South Wales in the State of Origin series and represented Australia internationally, transitioning primarily to the fullback position. He won the Dally M Medal twice, in 2009 and 2014, and was awarded the International Player of the Year by the Rugby League International Federation in 2009. Hayne played for Australia in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and also represented Fiji in the 2008 and 2017 tournaments.
After making headlines by transitioning from the NRL to the NFL as a rookie with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015, Hayne concluded his NFL career at the end of that season. He played for Fiji in rugby union sevens in 2016 but returned to the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans and concluded his career with the Parramatta Eels in 2018. Notably, he led the Fiji Bati to an upset victory over New Zealand in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Recently, Hayne had rape charges against him dropped, and he successfully appealed his convictions earlier this month. He has faced trial for the same alleged assault multiple times, with one trial resulting in a hung jury and another guilty verdict being overturned on appeal. Hayne has claimed the sexual encounter in question was consensual.
Coach Kativerata mentioned that they have been in talks with other NRL players interested in representing Fiji, including Mark Nawaqanitawase, Tui Kamikamica, and Api Koroisau. He also expects explosive forward Viliame Kikau to join the squad. The Fiji National Rugby League plans to incorporate several local-based players from the Vodafone Cup to gain experience.
Kativerata expressed a commitment to integrating young talent, such as Kitione Kautoga and Caleb Navale, and emphasized the aim of the team is to win, with a broader focus on preparing for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia. He praised Tui Kamikamica as a strong leader and role model for the team, highlighting the need to be prepared for a challenging match against Papua New Guinea. Kativerata is dedicated to guiding his team towards victory with the right strategies and player combinations.