Former National Rugby League (NRL) player Jarryd Hayne is supporting the Vodafone Fiji Bati team as they prepare for their Pacific Bowl Championship matches. The Bati will compete against the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Kumuls in their first match on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Hayne, who has twice won the Dally M Medal, is contributing to the team’s offensive strategies. He praised the NRL for hosting this championship, emphasizing the importance of connecting Pacific island players with their heritage.
He stressed the significance of the players reconnecting with their families and cultural roots. “It’s been a long time coming for something like this to happen,” said Hayne. He highlighted how Aboriginal culture in Australia is beginning to understand the value of such connections and how beneficial it is for Fijian players to immerse themselves in their culture and team environment.
Despite the presence of NRL-affiliated players in the squad, Hayne noted that the Kumuls have always been fierce competitors, as they are the reigning champions of the Pacific Bowl Championship. He commented on the toughness of PNG players, stating, “No matter who they pick, you just know they’re going to be tough. Their culture is rugby league and it’s all about full force.”
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 added. “This level of talent is rare to see in Fiji, so I invite everyone to come, experience the atmosphere, and understand what rugby league is about. Hopefully, we will see many young Fijians in the Bati in the future.”
Reflecting on the journey of the Bati team over the past 16 to 17 years, Hayne remarked on their progress from playing in army barracks to now staying in five-star hotels.
Hayne was recently released from prison in June after winning an appeal against a sexual assault conviction.