Former National Rugby League (NRL) player Jarryd Hayne has joined the Vodafone Fiji Bati team as they prepare for their upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship matches. The Bati will kick off their campaign 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 by assisting with their attacking strategies. The Australian-born athlete from Cikobia, Macuata, expressed gratitude that the NRL has brought such a championship to the Pacific, highlighting the significance 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,” the former Bati full-back stated. He noted that Aboriginal culture in Australia is gaining a deeper understanding of shared heritage, making it essential for Fijian players to immerse themselves in their culture and the team environment.
Despite the presence of NRL players, Hayne acknowledged the challenge posed by the Kumuls, who are the reigning champions of the Pacific Bowl Championship. He noted, “PNG is probably the country in the world that, no matter who they select, you know they will be tough. Their culture revolves around rugby league; they thrive on physicality and running straight, so you always know what to expect.”
He encouraged rugby league fans and families to support the home team by attending the match. “It should be plenty of talent on display on Saturday night,” Hayne stated. “You don’t often see this level of talent in Fiji, so I urge everyone to come down, experience the atmosphere, and understand what rugby league is all about. Hopefully, we will see many young Fijians entering the Bati in the future.”
Reflecting on his journey, Hayne remarked on the progress made since the team’s early days, stating, “It’s been a long journey; we have come a long way from the army barracks to five-star hotels.”
Hayne was released from prison in June after successfully appealing a sexual assault conviction.