Jarryd Hayne joins Fiji’s Pacific Championships staff

Jarryd Hayne enters NSW District Court in March 2023. Photo / Getty Images

Former Parramatta favourite Jarryd Hayne is set to mark his return to rugby league as part of Fiji’s coaching staff ahead of the Pacific Championships.

It will be Hayne’s first involvement in the sport he made his name in since he was arrested and jailed for sexual assault in 2023.

After a successful appeal, Hayne had his convictions overturned in June of this year.

The 36-year-old has not been involved in rugby league since his initial arrest in 2018.

But Hayne has been added to Wise Kativerata’s coaching staff ahead of games against Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands.

Hayne was part of the Pacific nation’s 2008 World Cup squad and was on deck as the Fiji Bati stunned New Zealand in the 2017 edition of the tournament.

“On the way to the airport yesterday, [we were] watching that documentary from the ‘08 [World Cup] following us in the village,” Hayne told reporters in Suva on Monday.

“It’s been a long journey … 16 to 17 years. From army barracks, to now we’re in five-star hotels.

“We’ve come a long way. It’s always good to reminisce.”

Hayne has also been joined in camp by Michael Jennings, who is expected to make his Fiji debut.

The Sydney Roosters centre has previously played for Tonga and Australia but qualifies to play for the Bati through his father.

“I’m blessed to be given this opportunity to connect with my dad’s side of his heritage,” Jennings said.

Fiji will host PNG on October 19 and then welcome the Cook Islands to Suva on October 26 with a win in both their Pacific Bowl games enough to ensure they reach the promotion play-off of the Pacific Championships.