Former National Rugby League (NRL) player Jarryd Hayne is providing support to the Vodafone Fiji Bati team as they prepare for the Pacific Bowl Championship. The Bati is set to compete against the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Kumuls in their first match on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Hayne, a two-time Dally M Medal recipient, has stepped in to assist the team, particularly focusing on improving their attacking strategies. The Australian-born native of Cikobia, Macuata, expressed his appreciation for the NRL’s initiative to host this championship, highlighting the significant number of Pacific island players involved.
He emphasized the importance of the players reconnecting with their families and cultural roots. Hayne remarked, “It’s been a long time coming for something like this to happen,” stating that Australian Aboriginal culture is beginning to acknowledge the value of such connections. He believes it’s significant for Fijian players to immerse themselves in their culture and team environment.
Despite the Bati’s roster featuring NRL talents, Hayne acknowledged the challenge posed by the Kumuls, who are the reigning champions of the Pacific Bowl Championship. He noted, “PNG is probably the country in the world who doesn’t matter who they pick, you just know they’re going to be tough,” and highlighted their physical approach to the game.
Hayne encouraged fans and families to attend the match in support of the home team, stating, “It should be plenty of talent on display on Saturday night.” He urged the community to come out and experience the rugby league atmosphere, hoping to inspire many young Fijians to aspire to join the Bati team in the future.
Reflecting on the evolution of the team, Hayne reminisced about the journey from their early days in army barracks to the present, where they now enjoy five-star accommodations. Hayne was released from prison in June after successfully appealing a sexual assault conviction.