Pacific Championships: Jarryd Hayne targeted for rugby league comeback with Fiji
Jarryd Hayne has been sounded out about a shock rugby league return alongside one of the most exciting prospects in the NRL.
NRL
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Jarryd Hayne has been sounded out about a shock rugby league return by Fiji coach Wise Kativerata who wants him to play in the end-of-season Pacific Championships.
And Kativerata has also revealed an approach to former Wallaby and Sydney Roosters convert Mark Nawaqanitawase.
A two-time Dally M Medal winner, Hayne, 36, hasn’t represented Fiji for six years.
“The door is open for him if he wants to join,” said Kativerata, who played for Parramatta, Souths and St George Illawarra between 2001 and 2004.
“He (Hayne) is fit but we are just waiting on his decision if he is interested, which will be a boost for the team.”
Fiji will compete in the Pacific Bowl tournament against Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands. Tests will be played in Fiji and Port Moresby before a final at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on November 10.
Hayne won an appeal in June against a rape conviction and was released from prison.
Leading Sydney sprinter coach Roger Fabri, who works with Hayne on fitness and agility, has no doubt the ex-Eels champion would succeed back in rugby league.
“Jarryd is an elite athlete,” Fabri said. “He is one guy you can never, ever disregard when he puts his mind to something.
“When Jarryd applies himself, he will never stray. He has proven it time and time again. He did the unthinkable by making an NFL roster.”
Hayne isn’t an NRL contracted player but would still require ARL Commission approval to play. That would be discussed if Hayne is selected.
Nawaqanitawase made his NRL debut last Friday night, scoring a stunning try against Souths after just six minutes.
He has already represented the Wallabies at this year’s World Cup and played 7’s rugby union for Australia at the Olympics.
Nawaqanitawase is now poised to become a dual international.
“So far we’ve been talking to other NRL players who are interested in representing the country,” Kativerata told the Fiji Sun.
“We’ve had talks with Mark Nawaqanitawase, Tui Kamikamica and Api Koroisau to name a few.
“Tui is a humble giant. He is a good role model and a good boost in the team for the Pacific Nations Cup matches.”
Canterbury’s Viliame Kikau is a certain starter for the Bati.
The Fiji squad will be announced next week with team management continuing discussions with NRL clubs about possible player releases.
Kativerata is slowly building his side ahead of the 2026 World Cup in Australia and PNG.
“As long as we get Fijian boys making their debut and stepping up, we are doing our job,” he said.
Australia, New Zealand and Tonga will compete for the Pacific Cup with Samoa touring England.
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