LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Jarryd Hayne, the two-time Dally M Medallist, is set to make his rugby league comeback at the 2024 Pacific Championships for Fiji, marking his return to the game after a six-year hiatus.
Instead of donning his boots alongside the likes of Michael Jennings, Viliame Kikau, and Sunia Turuva on the field, Hayne will be taking on a coaching role for the national team as they gear up to face the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Having recently been released from jail and cleared of his previous legal troubles, Hayne will now be serving as a mentor to the players under the guidance of Fiji head coach Wise Kativerata.
Although there were rumors of a possible playing comeback for Hayne at the Championships, Kativerata has confirmed that the former star will not be lacing up for Fiji on the field.
Despite not competing, Hayne's presence is expected to inspire the team as they look to make their mark in the tournament, which kicks off this weekend.
"The players admire what he achieved on the field," said Kativerata in anticipation of Hayne's motivational role within the coaching staff.