Former National Rugby League (NRL) player Jarryd Hayne is assisting the Vodafone Fiji Bati team as they prepare for the Pacific Bowl Championship matches. The Bati’s first challenge will be 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 focusing on enhancing their attacking strategies. The Australian-born athlete, originally from Cikobia in Macuata, commended the NRL for organizing this championship in the region, highlighting the significant presence of Pacific island players in the league.
He emphasized the importance for Bati members to reconnect with their families and cultural roots. “It’s been a long time coming for something like this to happen,” said the former Bati full-back.
He noted that there is a growing understanding among Indigenous Australians of the value of culture, making it meaningful for Fijians to return and immerse themselves in their heritage within a team atmosphere.
Despite the presence of NRL talent, Hayne acknowledged that the Kumuls are consistently formidable opponents, as they are the defending champions of the Pacific Bowl Championship. He remarked, “PNG is probably the country in the world that, no matter who they choose, you know they’re going to be tough. Their culture is rugby league, and it’s all about full force – they enjoy running straight and the physical aspects of the game.”
Hayne also called on passionate rugby league fans and families to cheer on the home team, stating, “There should be plenty of talent on display Saturday night. You don’t see this level of talent in Fiji very often, so I encourage everyone to come down and experience the atmosphere and what rugby league is about. Hopefully, we will see more young Fijians join the Bati in the future.”
Reflecting on the progress made by the team, he added, “It’s been a long journey, from almost 16 or 17 years ago when we were in army barracks to now, being in five-star hotels. We’ve come a long way.”
Hayne was released from prison in June after successfully appealing a sexual assault conviction.