Jarryd Hayne, the 2014 Dally M winner, may rejoin the Fiji Bati team after a five-year absence. This possibility was hinted at by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata during a recent interview. “The door is open for him if he wants to join,” Kativerata stated. He mentioned that Hayne is fit and the team is awaiting his decision, which could benefit their performance.
The announcement regarding the Bati squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships has been postponed until next week, as team management is still coordinating player releases from their NRL clubs.
Hayne started his professional rugby league career in 2006 with the Parramatta Eels and was named the NRL Rookie of the Year. He quickly rose to prominence, debuting for New South Wales and later for Australia. He won the Dally M Medal in both 2009 and 2014 and was recognized as the International Player of the Year in 2009. He played for Australia in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and represented Fiji in the 2008 and 2017 tournaments.
In 2015, Hayne transitioned to American football, joining the San Francisco 49ers, but returned to rugby league after a season in the NFL. His rugby union career included representing Fiji in the sevens format; however, he did not make the 2016 Olympic squad and subsequently rejoined the NRL, finishing with the Gold Coast Titans and Parramatta.
In the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, Hayne helped Fiji achieve a surprising victory over New Zealand. Recently, he was cleared of rape charges after they were formally withdrawn and successfully appealed his previous convictions. Hayne has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
Kativerata has reported ongoing discussions with other NRL players interested in representing Fiji, including Mark Nawaqanitawase, Tui Kamikamica, and Api Koroisau. The team is also looking to incorporate local players from the Vodafone Cup into the national squad.
The coach emphasized the importance of integrating young players, noting their success with players like Kitione Kautoga and Caleb Navale last year. The team’s primary goal this season is to secure victories, with an eye toward preparation for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia. Kativerata praised the leadership of Tui Kamikamica, calling him a valuable asset for the team as they prepare for challenges ahead, particularly against Papua New Guinea. He underscored his role in guiding the team to success through strategic player selections and combinations.