Jarryd Hayne has made his return to the rugby league scene, assuming a mentoring position with the Vodafone Fiji Bati as they prepare for the Pacific Championship. Reports from News Corp and The Sydney Morning Herald indicate that Hayne will collaborate closely with players including Michael Jennings, Sunia Turuva, Viliame Kikau, and Maika Sivo.
Hayne has arrived in Fiji and was observed at training this past Monday at Suva’s Albert Park. Although he will not play, having firmly ruled out a return to the field, he will contribute in a mentoring capacity after previously representing Fiji on the international level. This involvement marks Hayne’s first connection with the NRL since 2018.
Fiji’s coach, Wise Kativerata, who once played alongside Hayne’s father Manoa Thompson for the Bati, reached out to Hayne post-release from prison to check on his well-being. Hayne, who spent nearly two years incarcerated, was released in June after succeeding in an appeal against a rape conviction.
“I called him just to talk and see how he was doing,” Kativerata shared. “I wanted to ensure he was okay. He was glad to hear from us. After some time, I mentioned that rugby league in Fiji needed a boost and invited him to assist the team, believing it would benefit both him and us.”
Initially, Hayne thought the suggestion was a joke, but Kativerata noted Hayne’s significant achievements in rugby league and his Fijian heritage, stating that they were eager for him to be involved. Kativerata emphasized that many players on the Fiji team greatly admire Hayne for his skill, given his impressive career of 214 NRL games and 10 Tests for the Bati.
Fiji is set to face Papua New Guinea this Saturday night.