Jarryd Hayne is making his return to rugby league by taking on a mentoring position with the Vodafone Fiji Bati as they prepare for the Pacific Championship. Reports from multiple sources indicate that Hayne will collaborate with players such as Michael Jennings, Sunia Turuva, Viliame Kikau, and Maika Sivo.
Arriving in Fiji, Hayne was seen participating in training at Albert Park in Suva on Monday. Although he won’t be resuming his playing career and has dismissed any thoughts of returning to the field, he is eager to mentor the next generation after having previously represented Fiji at the international level. This marks Hayne’s first involvement with rugby league since 2018.
Fiji coach Wise Kativerata, who played alongside Hayne’s father Manoa Thompson for the Bati, reached out to Hayne after his release from prison to check on his well-being. Hayne spent almost two years incarcerated before being released in June following a successful appeal against a rape conviction.
Kativerata shared, “I rang him just to talk to him and see how he was going. I wanted to make sure he was okay. He was happy to hear from us. After a while, I told him about rugby league in Fiji and how it really needed a lift. Then I asked him to come along and help with the team because I knew it would be good for him and good for us.”
He continued, “At first he thought I was joking. But look at what he’s achieved in rugby league. And he’s a Fijian guy, so we want him to be part of it. He’s enjoying it.”
Kativerata also mentioned that many players from Fiji greatly admire Hayne for his notable skills, having played 214 NRL games and represented the Bati in 10 Test matches. Fiji’s team is set to compete against Papua New Guinea on Saturday night.