Jarryd Hayne has returned to the rugby league scene, taking up a mentoring position with the Vodafone Fiji Bati as they prepare for the Pacific Championship.
According to reports from News Corp and The Sydney Morning Herald, Hayne will collaborate closely with players such as Michael Jennings, Sunia Turuva, Viliame Kikau, and Maika Sivo. He has arrived in Fiji and was seen attending a training session at Albert Park in Suva on Monday.
Hayne has decided against playing again, opting instead for a mentoring role, having previously played for Fiji on the international stage. This involvement marks his first in rugby league since 2018.
Fiji’s coach Wise Kativerata, who played for the Bati alongside Hayne’s father Manoa Thompson, reached out to Hayne after his release from prison to ensure he was well. Kativerata explained that Hayne was glad to hear from him and saw an opportunity for Hayne to assist the team, which he believed would benefit both Hayne and the players.
Initially, Hayne thought Kativerata was joking, but given his successful career in rugby league, the coach emphasized his importance to the team. Many players from Fiji hold Hayne in high regard for his remarkable achievements, having played 214 NRL games and representing Fiji in 10 Test matches.
Fiji is set to face Papua New Guinea on Saturday night.