Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne has returned to rugby league for the first time in six years by taking on a mentoring role with the Vodafone Fiji Bati. The 36-year-old, whose rape conviction was overturned just four months ago leading to his release from prison, has earned a place on the team preparing for the upcoming Pacific Championship.
Hayne previously represented Fiji from 2008 to 2018 and was warmly welcomed into the training camp on Monday. Speaking about his new position, he expressed, “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 check on his well-being and extend an invitation to join the team. “I wanted to check in and see how he was doing,” Kativerata said. “When we spoke, I noticed he was pleased to hear from us and felt it was important for him to be involved with the team given the current landscape of rugby league in Fiji.”
Kativerata recalled that Hayne initially thought the invitation was a joke, but it soon turned into a serious opportunity for both the player and the team. The NRL has officially approved Hayne’s involvement with the Fijian squad.