Jarryd Hayne, a former star of the National Rugby League (NRL), is assisting the Vodafone Fiji Bati team as they prepare for the Pacific Bowl Championship matches. The Bati’s first game is against the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Kumuls on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Hayne, who has won the Dally M Medal twice, is providing support particularly with the team’s offensive strategies. The Australian-born athlete from Cikobia, Macuata, commended the NRL for organizing this championship, recognizing the significant number of Pacific island players involved.
He emphasized the importance of players reconnecting with their families and heritage. “It’s been a long time coming for something like this to happen,” Hayne noted. He remarked on the growing awareness among Aboriginal Australians regarding cultural connection, stating it is wonderful for Fijian players to come back, understand their culture, and be part of a team environment.
While the Bati boasts talent from NRL, Hayne acknowledged that the PNG Kumuls, the current champions of the Pacific Bowl Championship, remain a formidable opponent. He expressed that regardless of the players selected, PNG teams are known for their toughness, as rugby league is a core part of their culture.
“When they wear the Kumuls jersey, they bring passion. The boys are prepared for a physical match,” he said, encouraging fans and families to come out and support the Bati.
“There will be plenty of talent on display on Saturday night,” Hayne added. “You don’t see this level of talent in Fiji too often, so I invite everyone to join us and experience the atmosphere of rugby league. Hopefully, we’ll see many young Fijians join the Bati in the future.”
Reflecting on the growth of the Bati team, he remarked, “It’s been a long journey, going from army barracks to five-star hotels — we’ve come a long way.”
Hayne was released from prison in June after successfully appealing a sexual assault conviction.