Jarryd Hayne is returning to the rugby league scene, as the former NRL fullback has taken on a mentoring role with the Vodafone Fiji Bati ahead of the Pacific Championship. Reports from various sources indicate that Hayne will be working closely with players such as Michael Jennings, Sunia Turuva, Viliame Kikau, and Maika Sivo.
Having arrived in Fiji, Hayne was seen attending a training session at Albert Park in Suva on Monday. Although he has ruled out a return to playing, he is eager to contribute in a mentoring capacity, drawing from his experience after representing Fiji internationally. This marks Hayne’s first involvement in the NRL 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 check on his well-being. Hayne spent nearly two years incarcerated before being released in June following a successful appeal against a rape conviction.
Kativerata shared with The Herald that he called Hayne to ensure he was doing well. During their conversation, he mentioned the need for rejuvenation in Fiji’s rugby league and invited Hayne to assist with the team, knowing it would benefit both Hayne and the squad. Initially, Hayne thought Kativerata was joking, but he has since embraced the opportunity, enjoying his involvement.
Kativerata noted that many players in the Fiji squad look up to Hayne for his accomplishments on the field, as he has played 214 NRL games and represented the Bati in ten Tests. Fiji is set to face Papua New Guinea on Saturday night.