Former NRL player Jarryd Hayne is making a return to rugby league after a six-year absence by joining the Vodafone Fiji Bati. The 36-year-old has been named in the squad for the upcoming Pacific Championship, just four months after his rape conviction was overturned, resulting in his release from prison.
Having previously represented Fiji from 2008 to 2018, Hayne will take on a mentoring role within the team and received a warm welcome at the training camp on Monday. Reflecting on his new position, he said, “It’s a great opportunity. On my way to the airport, I watched a documentary about the ’08 Rugby League World Cup team, and it struck me how far we’ve come over the past 16 to 17 years. From humble beginnings to now enjoying five-star accommodation, it’s always nice to reminisce about the journey we’ve taken together.”
Bati Coach Wise Kativerata reached out to Hayne after his release to express concern for his well-being and invited him to join the team. “I wanted to check in and see how he was doing,” Kativerata told the Sydney Morning Herald. He noted that Hayne was pleased to hear from them and felt that it was important for him to be involved with the team, especially considering the current state of rugby league in Fiji.
Kativerata mentioned that initially, Hayne thought the invitation was a joke, but the conversation soon turned serious, presenting a meaningful opportunity for both Hayne and the team. The NRL has officially approved Hayne’s involvement with the Fijian squad.