Former National Rugby League (NRL) player Jarryd Hayne is assisting the Vodafone Fiji Bati team as they prepare for their Pacific Bowl Championship matches. The Bati’s first game will be against the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Kumuls on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Hayne, a two-time Dally M Medal recipient, is contributing to the team’s attacking strategies. The Australian-born Hayne, who has ties to Cikobia in Macuata, expressed his appreciation for the NRL’s efforts in bringing this championship to the Pacific, highlighting the presence of many Pacific island players in the league.
He emphasized the importance of the Bati players reconnecting with their families and cultural roots. “It’s been a long time coming for something like this to happen,” said the former Bati full-back.
He remarked on the growing understanding of Aboriginal culture in Australia, stating it is fantastic for those with Fijian heritage to return to their roots, immerse themselves in their culture, and engage in a team environment.
Despite the Bati featuring NRL players, the 36-year-old acknowledged that the Kumuls are always a formidable opponent, being the reigning champions of the Pacific Bowl Championship.
“PNG is probably the country in the world where, no matter who they pick, you know they’ll be tough,” Hayne noted. “Their culture revolves around rugby league, and they thrive on physical play.”
He encouraged passionate rugby league fans and families to come out and support the home team. “There should be plenty of talent on display on Saturday night,” he said. “You don’t get to see this much talent in Fiji very often, so I encourage everyone to come down and experience the atmosphere of rugby league, and hopefully, we’ll see more young Fijians join the Bati in the future.”
Reflecting on the progress over the years, he acknowledged the significant journey from their past, stating, “It’s been a long journey, what was almost 16 or 17 years from where we were, from the army barracks and now we’re in five-star hotels.”
Notably, Hayne was released from prison in June after successfully appealing a sexual assault conviction.