Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne is potentially set to make a remarkable return to rugby league, as Fiji’s national team coach Wise Kativerata has opened dialogue about Hayne joining the squad for this year’s Pacific Championships.
Having last competed in 2018, the prospect of Hayne’s comeback is stirring significant excitement. Kativerata has communicated that the opportunity is available for the 36-year-old athlete to return to the pinnacle of rugby league.
“The door is open for him if he wants to join,” Kativerata stated. “He is fit, but we are just awaiting his decision on whether he is interested, which would be a boost for the team.”
Hayne was released from prison in June after a successful appeal overturned his previous conviction. Since then, he has been training with sprinting coach Roger Fabri, working towards a return to professional sports.
“Jarryd is an elite athlete,” Fabri remarked. “He is someone you can never disregard when he puts his mind to something.”
However, Hayne’s involvement with Fiji could bring about complexities and controversies, as he currently lacks an NRL contract. His participation in the Pacific Championships would require approval from the ARL Commission.
Hayne has a history of representing both Fiji and Australia at the international level and was part of the Rugby Sevens team for Fiji in 2016, making him a significant asset for the squad.