RLWC 2017:
Jarryd Hayne Eyes Strong Fijian Squad
Fiji are eyeing a $1.1 million cherry on top of one of the strongest sides in their history as competition for Australian spots heats up and the other international heavyweights get some much needed good news.
$1.1 million man set for Fiji
Jarryd Hayne is shaping up as the most expensive player to ever turn out for a second-tier nation, with the NSW Blues star predicting he’ll be snubbed for green and gold honours come Cup time. Hayne has struggled to reach the dizzying heights he is capable of since returning from his NFL experiment, and sees himself lining up for Fiji at the World Cup given the abundance of talent Mal Meninga has to choose from out wide.
The 29-year-old took up a lucrative $1.1 million option with the Titans for 2018, but after an underwhelming Origin series Hayne says he has fallen down Australia’s backline pecking order - a shock admission given the confidence he has in his own ability.
“It’s been great to play both for Australia and Fiji,” Hayne told reporters this week.
“It’s obviously up to the coach, but I’m probably looking at Fiji at the moment given the amount of talent Australia’s got.”
Contenders for centre spots in the Kangaroos World Cup squad include Hayne, Will Chambers, Josh Dugan, Cameron Munster, Blake Ferguson, Dane Gagai and Jarrod Croker.
With Darius Boyd, James Tedesco and the evergreen Billy Slater all vying for Hayne’s preferred fullback role, Fiji is calling for the two-time Dally M winner. Hayne qualifies for the Bati through his father, former first grader Manoa Thompson, and has previously credited his 2008 World Cup stint with Fiji for turning his life around off the field.
‘Bati are building
Still on Fiji, they’ve got the makings of a serious side in the works according to big man Kane Evans.
With Hayne sizing up a return to the Bati and the likes of Suliasi Vunivalu, John Sutton, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and the Sims brothers all potential starters, Fiji are considered a good chance of matching their 2013 semi-final appearance.
“Playing in the last World Cup was a career highlight. I’d love to play this year,” Evans told foxsports.com.au.
“It’s a special feeling playing for your country.
“We should have a strong team. We have so many talented outside backs like Suliasi Vunivalu who can play, throw in Jarryd Hayne and John Sutton and it’s an exciting team.”
One Fijian that won’t be on deck is Eels flyer Semi Radradra. He will be on a plane as soon as Parramatta’s season wraps up to join French rugby powerhouse Toulon, whose latest Top 14 campaign starts in August.