“When they put the Kumuls jersey on, they’re passionate. The boys would be ready to play against and they know what they’re in for, it’s going to be a physical game.”
Jarryd Hayne with the Fiji Bati squad during their first training session at Albert Park, Suva on October 14, 2024. Photo: Leon Lord
Former National Rugby League (NRL) star Jarryd Hayne has lent a hand to the Vodafone Fiji Bati team ahead of their Pacific Bowl Championship matches. The Bati will face the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Kumuls in their opening match on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Hayne, a two-time Dally M Medal winner, is filling in wherever needed; he is helping the side with their attack.
The Australian-born Cikobia, Macuata, native applauded NRL for bringing this championship to the region given the number of Pacific island players in the competition.
He added that it was crucial for members of the Bati to reconnect with their families and culture.
“It’s been a long time coming for something like this to happen,” the former Bati full-back said.
“I think the Aboriginal culture in Australia are starting to really understand that a lot more, so it’s awesome for the guys that have the Fijian culture to come back and understand our culture and be around it and be around the team environment has been awesome.”
Despite having NRL players on the side, the 36-year-old indicated that the Kumuls were always a tough rival; they are the defending champions of the Pacific Bowl Championship.
Members of the Vodafone Fiji Bati squad during their first training session at Albert Park, Suva on October 14, 2024. Photo: Leon Lord
“PNG is probably the country in the world who doesn’t matter who they pick, you just know they’re going to be tough. They’re culture is rugby league, it’s all about full force – they love running straight, they love the physical stuff, so it doesn’t matter who they pick, just know what to expect, regardless.
“When they put the Kumuls jersey on, they’re passionate. The boys would be ready to play against and they know what they’re in for, it’s going to be a physical game.”
He urged ardent rugby league supporters and families to be out in numbers to back the home team.
“It should be plenty of talent on display on Saturday night,” Hayne said.
“You don’t get to see this much talent in Fiji very often, so I encourage everyone to come down, be a part of us – see the atmosphere and what rugby league is about and hopefully one day we see a lot of young Fijians come in the Bati.”
“It’s been a long journey, what was almost 16 or 17 years from where we were, from the army barracks and now we’re in five star hotels, we’ve come a long way.”
Hayne was released from prison in June after winning an appeal against a sexual assault conviction.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
