Jarryd Hayne has rejoined the rugby league community, taking on 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 such as Michael Jennings, Sunia Turuva, Viliame Kikau, and Maika Sivo.
Having arrived in Fiji, Hayne was seen training at Suva’s Albert Park on Monday. While he has ruled out a return to playing, Hayne is stepping into a mentorship role after previously representing Fiji internationally. This marks his first involvement in the NRL since 2018.
Fiji’s coach Wise Kativerata, who played alongside Hayne’s father Manoa Thompson, mentioned that he reached out to Hayne after his release from prison to check on his well-being. Hayne spent nearly two years incarcerated but was released in June after successfully appealing a rape conviction.
“I called him just to see how he was doing,” Kativerata shared. “I wanted to ensure he was okay. He was pleased to hear from us. Eventually, I discussed rugby league in Fiji and how it needed support. I invited him to assist the team, knowing it would benefit both him and us.”
Initially, Hayne thought the invitation was a joke, but Kativerata emphasized Hayne’s achievements in rugby league and his Fijian heritage. “He’s enjoying it,” Kativerata noted, adding that many Fiji players admire Hayne for his exceptional skills, having played 214 NRL games and represented Fiji in 10 international matches.
Fiji is set to face Papua New Guinea on Saturday night.