Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne has returned to rugby league after a six-year absence, taking on a mentorship role with the Vodafone Fiji Bati. The 36-year-old’s return comes just four months after his rape conviction was overturned, allowing him to leave prison.
Hayne, who represented Fiji from 2008 to 2018, will be a vital mentor for the team as they prepare for the upcoming Pacific Championship. He was welcomed into the training camp earlier this week.
In his remarks about the new opportunity, Hayne 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, expressing concern for his well-being and inviting him to join the team. Kativerata said, “I wanted to check in and see how he was doing. 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.”
He added that Hayne initially thought the invitation was a joke, but their conversation soon turned into a serious offer for both him and the team. The NRL has formally approved Hayne’s involvement with the Fijian squad.